The Curious Robot World of Matt Dixon to Feature at Pitzhanger
'A Sense of Wonder' will be the first exhibition curated by Rob Dickins
Matt Dixon's junkyard creations to feature in audio-visual experience
The rusty robot characters of Matt Dixon are to feature in an exhibition at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery from 14 October 2022 to 12 February 2023.
Curated by Rob Dickins CBE, ‘A Sense of Wonder’: The Curious Robot World of Matt Dixon, is billed as an audio-visual adventure. The background to the displays will be an otherworldly soundscape spanning 100 years of music.
Matt Dixon was a senior artist on Disney features, Pirates of the Caribbean, Spyro the Dragon, and Harry Potter titles. He created his first robot character as part of the series Transmissions in 2006 – which was the inspiration behind the design of the O2 robot brand mascot, Bubl. He has been exploring this preternatural world ever since and this exhibition will not only present prints, canvas and sketches but introduce a cast of four-foot models, with some surprising interventions, plus an Augmented Reality (AR) experience that will bring to life some elements of the exhibition.
Pitzhanger says, “With references to the environment, consumerism, mental health, and other aspects of modern life, visitors will encounter the robots as they experience and express the best of human emotions: wonder, kindness, empathy, friendship, and love. Its ethereal soundscape will span 100 years of music in a garden-like setting.
“A beta version of Matt Dixon’s new robot video game inspired by Transmissions will be exclusively available for visitors to play.”
A programme of related events will accompany the exhibition:
• A Sense of Wonder: Artist Talk (24 November, 6.30pm) – Digital illustrator and concept Matt Dixon reveals his ideas and process in creating the exhibition works
• Open Sundays (6 November + 4 December 2022 + 5 February 2023) - Family activities inspired by A Sense of Wonder on the first Sunday morning of every month
• Special Thursday Lates (27 October + 24 November 2022, 26 January 2023) – special late programme on the last Thursday of every month with talks, creative activities inspired by A Sense of Wonder, bar and more
Clare Gough, Director of Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, says, “This exhibition will create an uplifting escape for our visitors during the autumn and winter months into an otherworldly landscape inhabited by Matt Dixon’s endearing robots”
Rob Dickins said, “What I love about Matt’s art is that it works on at least two levels, as on the face of it, there are likeable junkyard creations but when you look deeper, there is almost always other levels which comment on the human condition and the environment, sometimes in the polluted landscapes of cities and sometimes in the calm and thoughtful beauty of the countryside. The cryptically titled pieces usually giving the viewer an idea…it is art that repays spending time with each picture. My advice is...look for clues."
The exhibition is supported by The Deborah Loeb Brice Donor Advised Fund.
The next in Pitzhanger’s series of exhibitions responding to the design and architecture of Pitzhanger will be Anthony Caro and the Inspiration of Architecture. This exhibition of works by leading British abstract sculptor Sir Anthony Caro, will open on what would have been his 99th birthday on 9 March 2023.
The exhibition will be open Wednesday to Sunday 10am-5pm (late opening Thursday: 10am-7pm). Advance booking recommended at pitzhanger.org.uk. Tickets allow access to Pitzhanger Manor and the exhibition. Tickets cost £12 on weekdays and £14 on Saturday and Sunday with concessions at £6 and £7. Entry is free to members, under 4s and Historic Houses members with half price admission for ArtPass holders. An early bird discount is available in the Pitzhanger web site during September.
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November 2, 2022