Shapes appear from the thick layer of paint which entirely covers the surface of the canvas or the wooden panel. Half figurative, half abstract, they evoke a world inhabited by strange figures. This dream-like and so poetic universe was born from the artist’s visual imaginary. Matt Lamb is a self-thaught Irish-American painter. At first, these paintings invite comparison to Atlan for his expanses of warm colors framed by black outlines reminiscent of stained glass. To Chagall when the figures with pastel hues seem to float away. And finally, to Maurice Denis – Nabis and symbolist – who painted elongated and luminous creatures.

 But, when the eyes linger, to disappear and completely immerse in that singular work of art, one forgets what he knows, all his references, he loses his bearings to enjoy the simple and spontaneous pleasure of a work’s hidden meanings. Then, a free Matt Lamb appears. Sensible and spontaneous. It is obvious that he is “raw” such as Dubuffet and Chaissac. “Raw” such as a child or a fool, like a powerful and reserved man who takes you in his confidence. Beside that strength, the artist’s inner one that we can guess inspired by the divine, which can only be transiated by inscrutable, it seizes the work. And the light, which escapes from the painter’s brush, illuminates and brings to light dreams in color. Those moments are so fragile as the moments when one wakes from a dream. Matt Lamb captures them to give them senses and render reality.