DDR Projects presents Matt Wignall in his debut show entitled “Images from Malawi, Africa” beginning August 1st, 2008.
The Malawi series was photographed in July of 2007 throughout the bush areas outside of Blantyre, Malawi Africa. There are hundreds of tribes scattered across the plains with little access to a clean and reliable water source, let alone the modern amenities we take for granted. Matt was asked by Water Wells for Africa, a small private charity in Southern California, which uses one hundred percent of its donations towards building wells in these villages, to visually record this work.
The wells are installed by local Malawian businesses run only by Africans. To Matt, this is an ideal charity: no overhead, investment in local businesses, and hands on, yearly interaction with the people who need the water; which is why he chose to donate his time and talents to photograph their efforts.
“I am generally very cynical and suspect of anyone who asks for my money and/or time, but after some research I was proud to work for this organization, especially in light of the fact that they asked me to photograph as an artist instead of the usual exploitive manner we have grown use to seeing.”
The body of work showing at DDR Projects, include a few pieces previously seen at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, but the bulk of the work has never been shown before. All of the photographs were taken over a two-week period in the villages of Southern Malawi and on the border of Mozambique. Matt spent these two weeks eating local food, sleeping in the mud huts of a dozen villages, and interacting with the residents.
“I had many shots before I left, took the anti-biotic Cipro after eating some goat cooked on the ground, and suffered from horrible nightmares from taking the Malaria medicine that has been outlawed in the rest of the world for its hallucinations, dreams and depression-induced suicides.”
Photographing in the poorest villages of Africa is not for the faint of heart, but Matt found some of the most incredible landscape and persevering humanity in the world today and, in every way, the experience was worth his effort.
‘Images from Malawi Africa, the photography of Matt Wignall’ will continue into September and the gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday.
A percentage of the proceeds from all sales will go directly to WWFA
DDR PROJECTS Art Gallery
1532 East Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone/Fax: 562-590-9030
Summer Hours
Wednesday-Friday ::: 3-10pm
Saturday ::: 12-6
Sunday ::: 12-5
About Matt:
Matt Wignall is a local artist and musician with a decidedly global perspective.
“I live in Long Beach, and split my time between here, Mal Pais Costa Rica, Sweden, and New York.”
He prefers to work with clients that are open to blurring the lines between advertising and art.
“That has led me to long time relationships with friends such as the Cold War Kids, Mando Diao, Initium Eyewear and Volcom, for who’s creative images I am largly responsible.”
His images are often dynamic and, sometimes, amusing portraits and landscapes. His creative talents do not end there. He’s led a number of bands over the years, including Havalina Rail Company
“I also produce and record music for bands like Cold War Kids, Jessica Dobson, Matt Death, Ikey Owens, 2mex, Katie the Pest and X.”