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Art Opening: Matt Wester's My Occupation at the Pump Project Art Complex
Saturday, May 24th
Pump Project Art Complex (702 Shady Lane)
7-10pm
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The Pump Project Art Complex will host the debut of 25 original works by one of their studio artists with a reception this Saturday, May 24th from 7-10pm.
Teacher and painter Matt Wester spent a year in Iraq after deciding to join the National Guard as a photojournalist. Despite his opposition to the war, he felt compelled to document the conflict firsthand. Stationed outside of Baghdad, Wester took photos, wrote stories, and accompanied a brigade on their missions. Back on base, he photoshopped many of his images, planning to use his digital prints as a base for a series of paintings.
Upon returning to the United States, Wester began painting in a studio at the Pump Project in East Austin. His photos, now digitally manipulated into a high contrast two-tone reminiscent of stencil art, are combined with bold, graphic imagery such as the Red Cross logo and Arabic text. Touching, but often hopeful, Wester uses bright primary colors and images of children in many of his pieces. For Wester, capturing the images and turning them into art has been a healing way for him to discuss his feelings about the war.
Ten percent of proceeds from the sale of Wester's paintings will be donated to Fisher House, an organization that provides comfortable housing near medical centers for military families while patients are receiving treatment for injuries
or illness.
Matt Wester's My Occupation runs through June 15th at the Pump Project Art Complex, 702 Shady Lane, Mondays 5-8pm, Wednesday through Saturday 1-5pm and by appointment.
