Matt Chesney is an artist whose own work is based around performance, video and sculpture. He is also the founder and director of Backlit Nottingham, a gallery and studio complex based in a large industrial building with a fascinating history and links to human rights, anti-slavery and adult education for all.
Our conversation took place at Backlit in the summer just as lockdown ended and we were all trying to find our feet again and emerge back into the world. Matt showed me round the site and we previewed the first show that they were installing since lockdown. Matt was also very excited for a special visitor to Backlit who was arriving later in the day.
I particularly wanted to catch up with Matt to find out more about how he sees the role of the gallery and the curator in the art ecosystem. What choices does he make and why? I also was keen to hear the Backlit story and how he had managed to build up such a successful and thriving art community from a standing start. I was super-impressed by Matt’s commitment and drive, and his real sense of care and responsibility for all that they do.
This turned into one of those heart-warming conversations where you really feel the positive way in which art is such an important part of our social fabric. Thanks Matt!
You can listen to this episode here: https://soundcloud.com/robertgood_art/matthew-chesney
Next week: sound artist and ethical hacker MOOGZ tells me about his project [Malignancy], recorded over the course of 12 years as his mother Angela underwent radiotherapy, and how he has a soft spot for hacking nuclear installations.
