Penetrating, piercing...infinite absence of happiness...self destruction and the seclusion of emotional solitude.
Smith deals in the gravest and singularly unhappiest subjects; solitude, grief and the raw vulnerability that comes with the exposure of pure emotion; and yet throughout his work, amongst the drowning eyes and soulless expressions you seem to find the smallest shred of hope, light and personality. Which is why, as an artist, Matthew Smith succeeds in so many ways; subtly coaxing you into the story behind the image, including you, and your thoughts into the piece.
Often viewers are manipulated into experiencing what the artist wants you to see, whereas Smith gives you the absolute minimum of direction; a nudge, a gentle blowing wind guiding you into seeing what could be possible with the subtle application of imagination and honesty.