Title: Outsiders Collaborating? How creative relationships at Studio ARTES are opening doors for artists with intellectual disabilities
Abstract: Outsiders Collaborating reflects on the experience working within a social, communal structure has on an individual who would typically be defined as an 'Outsider' artist. This paper examines the creative development of Mathew Calandra, an artist who has emerged from Studio ARTES Northside Inc. How has practicing inside Studio ARTES brought Mathew, a seemingly 'Outsider'artist, into the contemporary art mainstream? Mathew Calandra works at McDonalds two days a week. He has done so for the last ten years. He cleans tables after McDonalds patrons have finished their meals, and takes great pride in his position. When not at McDonalds, Mathew dedicates two days per week to painting and drawing. After years of consistent arts practice, Mathew is developing a profile within Sydney's contemporary art scene. His curriculum vitae documents an exhibition history that includes both national and international curated exhibitions 1 . Income derived from the sale of artwork in 2010 enabled Mathew to travel to Egypt to celebrate his fortieth birthday. The artist's sophisticated portfolio of artwork led to his current placement as a guest artist with the prestigious Cicada Press within the College of Fine Arts. At COFA, Mathew works alongside superstar Australian artists the likes of Reg Mombassa, Elisabeth Cummings and Vernon Ah-Kee. At forty, Mathew can sign his own name. However, his literacy skills extend little further. Mathew is affected by Down syndrome, as such, Mathew has significant intellectual and physical limitations. This paper reflects upon Mathew's artistic development, and in particular, reflects upon the role community and collaboration have played in Mathew's artistic practice. How is this seeming outsider establishing a presence for himself within the contemporary art scene, and how has being inside a network of relationships enabled Mathews creative career to manifest?
Publication Year: 2010
Publication Date: 2010-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 1
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot