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MATTHEW PORTER
Media Reviews
Kids Music That Rocks
Philadelphia Weekly Matthew Porter: "Monkey World"
Through Feb. 12. Art Star, 1030 N. Second St., unit 301. 215.238.1557. www.artstarphilly.com
I first stumbled upon Matthew Porter's work while browsing the DIY wares on www.buyolympia.com His ultra-cute series of homemade magnets jumped out as potential stocking stuffers for my family: the "Friendly Kitty" for my mom, the Mexican wrestler for my brother and maybe another animal one for my sister-in-law. The best one-a "Gangster Monkey" complete with suit, scar, cigarette and machine gun-I wanted for myself. Well, that crooked critter seems to have followed me to Philly, as Porter's "Monkey World" exhibition now graces Northern Liberties' perennially cool Art Star gallery. There the monkeys at last have their day in the sun, cheekily dressed up as such American icons as Frankenstein and Superman. Unlike the magnets I pined for, Porter's work at Art Star-his first exhibition in Philly-is done on 9-by-9-inch wood with pen and acrylic paint, topped with a coat of varnish. Born English, Porter now freelances all over the place and helps run the Bluebottle Art Gallery in Seattle. In fact, my second favorite magnet of his features a Godzilla-sized cat taking a bite out of the Space Needle. That one may not be included in "Monkey World," but some equally sinister simians surely will be.(Doug Wallen) www.philadelphiaweekly.com
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