Whatsit Mystic Objects’ Self-Reflection

Matthew Bennett Laurents

August 21 - September 5, 2021

Opening Reception

Saturday, August 21st, 6-9pm*

Open Hours

Fri-Sun 12-5pm*
drop in or by appointment 

Email Info@carnationcontemporary.com
to schedule a visit

Exhibition Statement

Whatsit Mystic Objects’ Self-Reflection presents a body of work exploring the sensitive, automatic and emotional realm. Following up 2019’s Faceland, Matthew Bennett Laurents’ second solo exhibition at Carnation Contemporary is comprised of expressionistic and  channeled works created between Spring 2020 and Summer 2021 at the artist’s home in Portland. During this period of unprecedented social change and pervasive uncertainty, Laurents’ studio practice and  passion for comparative religion and philosophy filled the time and fueled the content of the presented artworks, their titles referencing  the ideas present in the atmosphere of their creation.

Bio

Matthew Bennett Laurents graduated with an MFA in Ceramics from Cranbrook Academy of Art and a BFA in Studio Art from Lewis & Clark College. Drawing on histories of craft and ritual, his work explores the  potential of objects as vessels for spiritual and emotional energy. He lives and works in Portland, Oregon.