Matthew Houlding

b. 1966, Keighley, UK
Lives and works in Todmorden, UK

Architectural forms, models and modernism inspire the futuristic yet retro world that Matthew Houlding creates in his sculptures and collages. Matthew’s two-dimensional work is a delicate, often obsessive creation of worlds both real and imagined,

His three-dimensional models however exist as prototypes of things that will never happen, incorporating and combining domestic leftovers with model makers' shorthand for bricks, trees and so on. They are in zones of suspension, halfway between sculpture and architecture. The model can combine elements and signs in a way that is impossible in the world at large. At least in theory, it can produce a fantastic order of the real.

Graduating in 1990, Matthew studied a BA (hons) Degree and Postgraduate Diploma in Three Dimensional Design (specialising in Silversmithing and Metalwork) at Loughborough College of Art and Design. In 2007 Houlding had a solo show We Watched The Sun Go Down at Buro Fur Kunst, Dresden. He participated in numerous group shows including New London Kicks, The Armory Show, New York; The Future Can Wait, Atlantis Gallery, London; It Starts Here, De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill on Sea and IDEE 01239 ein stadtteilforum, Dresden.
Previously Houlding's work was selected for the touring British Art Show 6; The Comme Ca Art Prize 2003, Manchester and he was commissioned for East International 2003 in Norwich.

The artist was in the following exhibitions:
We're not here to give you pleasure
The Golden Record
This artist is featured in:
It Was Never Going To Be Straightforward