Warrnambool artist Matthew Clarke has created the winning design for the 2019 Adelaide Fringe’s official poster.
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The design created by the Factory Arts painter was one of 357 entries and is a self-portrait of himself as a Fringe performer.
Mr Clarke, who identifies as having an intellectual disability, said his art allows him to express his emotions.
“For me, painting is about wanting to express my happiness to others,” he said.
For me, painting is about wanting to express my happiness to others.
- Matthew Clarke
“I like using bold, bright colours so it attracts people and makes them feel happy about art.
“I have a disability, so I’m quite proud to show there’s no barriers between that and making artwork.”
Mr Clarke started creating art in 2005 and prefers to work with acrylic on linen.
In 2017 he was was commissioned to create a painting for the Melbourne Art Trams project.
His current work is set to appear on Adelaide trams as part of the marketing campaign for the 2019 Fringe.
“I’m excited to see my poster displayed all over Adelaide. It really means a lot to me,” Mr Clarke said.
Adelaide Fringe Director and CEO Heather Croall said Mr Clarke’s artwork was chosen because of the energy it conveyed.
“We chose Matthew’s entry because of the striking, fiery brush strokes that convey a sense of risk-taking and adventure and the vibrant colours that encapsulate the energy of Fringe,” she said.
“It all comes together to create a stunning self-portrait of the artist putting on a Fringe show.
“We love the story behind the poster and the way it celebrates the performer in all of us.
“Matthew’s work has a fabulous abstract style that is sure to catch people’s eye and get them excited for next year’s Adelaide Fringe.”
Ms Croall said the fact the winner is an artist with a disability complemented the Fringe’s growing number of initiatives to improve the festival’s accessibility and inclusivity.
“We’re an open access festival, so it comes with the territory that we want everyone to be able to join in on the wonderful artistic experience our Fringe has to offer,” she said.
“To achieve this, Adelaide Fringe is constantly looking for ways to cater for all artists and audience members – everything from detailed venue information to initiatives like audio tours for the visually impaired.
“We’re looking forward to introducing new measures to make the 2019 Adelaide Fringe our most accessible festival yet so everyone can come along for the ride.”
The 2019 Adelaide Fringe will run from February 15 to March 17. For more information, visit adelaidefringe.com.au.
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