Details:
Where: HOTA Gallery. 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Dates: Sat 28 November 2026 – Sun 7 March 2027
Open: Daily 10am - 4pm
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My work is titled: "Morning self portrait (with the wilting flowers of yesterday)."
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Artist statement (with thanks to Elli Walsh):
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In this candid self-portrait, Matthew Schiavello reflects on what he sees as the unrealistic expectations placed on artists to portray themselves in particular ways in order to be accepted or considered 'relevant'. Instead, the Melbourne artist presents himself as he is: tired, unglamorous and frugally repurposing leftover props from another shoot. Middle-aged, overweight and aware that no amount of social media engagement will ease the pressures of daily life or the struggle for artistic freedom, he nevertheless remains driven to create. Finding time for his practice between day jobs, Schiavello offers an unvarnished portrait of the artist – not as an idealised figure, but as someone simply trying to make space for art amid the demands of ordinary life.