A master of geometric abstraction, Matthew Thomas has explored religious and cultural traditions for over 35 years. Through the study and practice of multiple traditions including Mahayana Buddhism, Sufism, Vedanta Yoga and Christianity, Thomas has developed a dynamic visual language that synthesizes this spiritual study into geometric structures, color patterns and mathematical systems. Within the rigorous restraint of this language the artist produces works that are simultaneously highly charged, meditative and expressive.  Through occasional use of African textiles adhered to panels, coated with wax and metal leaf, Thomas alludes to his African-American heritage. Darshan displays groupings of Thomas's paintings, arranged as giant mandalas that vibrate with energy and feeling.  These works are primarily encaustic on wood panel with gold leaf, intense pigments and inscribed geometric lines that bear reference to both physical and metaphysical universes. One huge conglomerate work, The Gesture of Touching the Earth is comprised of 16 panels, heavily encrusted with clay and pigment.  While many of the other works in the gallery serve as cosmic diagrams, this work is abundantly physical and related to the earth. In a separate chamber before a brilliant pink wall Matthews has performed a meticulous drawing in colored sand, leaving in residue, an exquisite diagram of the artist's meditation. Matthew Thomas's work is deceptively simple.  In fact, his deft paintings of point, line and circle explore the intersection of the scientific and spiritual. Through the encaustic veil one senses Thomas's persistent drive to delve deeply into the eternal mysteries and to map the parameters of a subtle universe. SUSANNA MEIERS Curator El Camino College Art Gallery
Please check back soon to see images from the exhibit
Putting Rietveld on a Pedestal 43"x28"x21", lacquer on wood	Reitveld Series 65"x36"x12", mixed media
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