About

Matthew Lay is a representational artist who was born and raised in Denver, Colorado where his studio is now based. Growing up and going to museums, he became captivated with works by the Old Masters which gave birth to an opportunity to study abroad in Europe while pursuing his BA of Art from Ft. Lewis College in 2014. Inspired by the historical, and intricate architectural structures found abroad, his previous solo exhibition featured many of the oldest churches found in Denver. Following in the rich tradition and history of oil painting, his work seeks to capture reality as we see it and explore themes found in our own human existence. 

  

Monomyth Exhibition

In 1949, author Joseph Cambell coined the term, “Monomyth”, referring to a singular hero that goes on an epic journey. His groundbreaking book, “The Hero with a Thousand Faces,” explored the notion that the story of the Hero's Journey is almost as old as the existence of humans. It is a repetitive story whose similarities can be found in dozens of sources including Greek Mythology, the Bible, the Quran, and newer additions such as Star Wars and the latest Marvel films. The Hero’s Journey is cyclical, visually represented by a circle. The Hero leaves on a journey and goes through a multitude of stages which culminates in the hero ultimately transformed into something new entirely. The story ends with the transformed hero returning to where they left, coming back to the familiar, yet realizing they are not the same. 

This show is an exploration in the emotional and psychological realities found in the Hero’s Journey that mimic themes we find in our own lives such as love, loss, victory, defeat, and sacrifice. It reflects what it is to be human and its universality compels us to ponder, ‘Why do people come back time and time again to the same narrative found in religion, mythology, history, entertainment, and pop-culture?’ 

The Hero’s Journey is everywhere. It is in us. It is us.


CURRICULUM VITAE

Education

Fort Lewis College - Bachelor Degree in Art

Engagements

Goodson Recreation Center - Drawing Instructor 2016, 2017 - Centennial, CO

Solo Exhibitions

Next Gallery - Monomyth 2023 - Lakewood, CO

Next Gallery - Remnants & Retrospective 2022 - Lakewood, CO

Southglenn Public Library - Faces and Places 2017 - Centennial, CO

Juried Exhibitions

D’art Gallery - Spot On #3 2022 - Denver, CO

Kanon Collective - Dark Heart Show 2022 - Lakewood. CO

Colorado Gallery of the Arts - This is Colorado 2016 - Littleton, CO - Juror's Choice Award

FLC Art Gallery - 54th Annual Juried Exhibition Show 2015 - Durango, CO - Honorable Mention

Group Exhibitions

Next Gallery - Mixed Emotions 2022 - Lakewood. CO

Next Gallery - Winter Art Market 2021 - Lakewood, CO

40 West Arts Gallery - Small Works Show - 2020 - Lakewood, CO

Publication

Voyage Denver - Meet the Artist 2021 - Online