MATTHEW BARNEY

MATTHEW BARNEY

Matthew Barney is a renowned American contemporary artist, born in 1967 in San Francisco. He is acclaimed for his innovative works that blend sculpture, performance, drawing, and film. Barney gained significant attention for his ambitious Cremaster Cycle (1994–2002), a series of five films exploring themes of sexuality, mythology, and creation. His practice often involves the use of unconventional materials and explores the limits of physicality and transformation.​

In 2023, Barney participated in the Mission Clay Arts and Industry Program, where he created works for his series titled "Secondary." This body of work includes a five-channel video installation set within the context of an American football field, featuring eleven performers—mainly dancers and movement practitioners—who re-enact and reinterpret a pivotal moment from a 1978 football game between the Oakland Raiders and the New England Patriots. The "Secondary" series was exhibited in multiple venues, including Regen Projects in Los Angeles from June 1 to August 17, 2024. The works from this series reflect Barney's ongoing exploration of the body's potential and the cultural narratives surrounding athletics, sports and violence.