Matthew Barney, a celebrated artist renowned for his experimental works, will present his latest project, "Secondary," at four prominent galleries in May and June 2024. These galleries include Gladstone Gallery in New York, Sadie Coles HQ in London, Regen Projects in Los Angeles, and Galerie Max Hetzler in Paris.
Barney’s influence extends across various artistic and cultural trends. His early New York solo show in 1991 included a video of him climbing the walls of Gladstone Gallery, naked in a harness, alongside an exercise bench made of petroleum jelly. This fascination with viscous fluids can be seen in contemporary fashion, such as Balenciaga's slime printed hoodies.
Barney also challenged conventions with full-frontal male nudity in his works, prefiguring its acceptance in films and TV shows. His penchant for bodily secretions came to the fore in "River of Fundament" (2014), a film where Barney performs rituals with human waste, significantly influencing younger artists.
Barney's partnership with Björk, both in life and art, was chronicled through collaborative works and lyrics, predating other high-profile artist couples like Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Additionally, Barney’s use of elaborate costumes that blur gender lines paved the way for contemporary artists like Harry Styles and Timothée Chalamet.
Matthew Barney continues to push artistic boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on multiple artistic disciplines.
© Matthew Barney, courtesy of the artist and Gladstone Gallery. Photo credits Michael James O’Brien and others.