Solo Exhibition ‘Murmur’ by Matt Shlian

"Beginning with an initial fold, a single action causes a transfer of energy to subsequent folds, which ultimately manifest in drawing and three dimensional forms." (Matt Shlian)

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and ruler of Sharjah, the Cultural Affairs Department at the Sharjah Department of Culture has organised the 20th Edition of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival.

The solo exhibition 'Murmur', is on view at the Sharjah Art Museum as part of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival 2017/18.

In his artist statement Matt Shlian explains, "As a paper engineer, my work is rooted in print media, book arts and commercial design. Beginning with an initial fold, a single action causes a transfer of energy to subsequent folds, which ultimately manifest in drawing and three dimensional forms. I use my engineering skills to create kinetic sculpture which have led to collaborations with scientists at University of Michigan. We work on the nanoscale, translating paper structures to micro folds. Our investigations extend to visualizing cellular division and solar cell development. Researchers see paper engineering as a metaphor for scientific principles; I see their inquiry as a basis for artistic inspiration. In my studio I am a collaborator, explorer and inventor. I begin with a system of folding and at a particular moment the material takes over. Guided by wonder, my work is made because I cannot visualize its final realization; in this way I come to understanding through curiosity."

Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi touring the exhibition 'Murmur' by Matt Shlian at the opening of the Festival / Photo Â© Islamic Arts Magazine

'Murmur' by Matt Shlian, Installation view / Photo Â© Islamic Arts Magazine

'Murmur' by Matt Shlian, Another Installation view / Photo Â© Islamic Arts Magazine

Matt Shlian, exhibition 'Murmur' / Photo Â© Islamic Arts Magazine

Matt Shlian, exhibition 'Murmur', detail / Photo Â© Islamic Arts Magazine

Matt Shlian, exhibition 'Murmur'. Visitors at the exhibition / Photo Â© Islamic Arts Magazine

Shilan originally went to school for ceramics, but realized early on that he was interested in everything. He studied, glass, painting, performance, sound and by the end he had a dual major in ceramics and print media. He wasn't making traditional print or ceramic work at that point. Instead he would create large digital prints and using a series of cut scores and creases create large scale pop up spreads. He wanted the work to be interactive and for the image to relate to the folds. He choose the paper as a medium and since he loves the geometry, figuring out the pieces was like solving a puzzle.

Matt Shilan has BFA from Alfred University (2002) and a masters from Cranbrook Academy of Art (2006). He is an artist/designer and founder of the initiative Artist Studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival (SIAF) 2017/18 opened on December 13, 2017 and runs through January 23, 2018. Many exhibitions and large scale installations are on view at the Sharjah Art Museum, and at other venues such as Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Awqaf Department, Al Qasba, Maraya Art Centre, and Calligraphy Square.