OBS Gallery presented Modern Relics by Mathew Lintott
OBS Gallery has opened its doors to Modern Relics, a new solo exhibition by printmaker Mathew Lintott. Bringing together woodcut relief prints, driftwood sculptures and audio works, the exhibition explores themes of deep time, geology and myth. Rooted in a close engagement with ancient landscapes and natural materials, Lintott’s practice considers how encounters with the past, the wild and the remote can reshape contemporary relationships with land and place.
The private view offered a memorable introduction to the exhibition. Gallery Administrator, Claire Hart White observed, ‘Everyone enjoyed the Headmaster’s introduction, especially as he produced his own found ammonite from his pocket! The artist, Matthew Lintott, spoke engagingly about his printing processes, using 200 million-year-old squid ink and collaborating with nature and his mountaineer father.’ This sense of experimentation and dialogue with natural history resonated strongly with visitors, one of whom commented, ‘Great innovative ideas, including the use of using Jurassic ink, creating atmospheric and poignant prints’.
The evening welcomed established figures from the art world alongside Tonbridge pupils, creating a rich and stimulating environment for discussion. In addition to the exhibition, Mathew Lintott is working directly with pupils through workshops within Art lessons, offering students the opportunity to engage closely with his practice and gain first-hand insight into professional artistic processes. This provided a valuable opportunity for students to engage directly with the artist, connect with practising artists, and develop a deeper understanding of research-led artistic practice and creative methodologies.
Reflecting on the significance of the Gallery within the School, Claire noted, ‘Having such a phenomenal, high-spec, cathedral-like gallery space in the heart of the School, gives the pupils, staff and the wider community an incredible opportunity to attune their visual literacy skills, seeing high-calibre art on display twice a year.’
Those wishing to gain a deeper understanding of Mathew Lintott’s contextual approach and creative methods are warmly invited to attend the artist talk on Tuesday, 3 February. For further details on gallery opening hours, please click here.
