matt devine: walk with me
march 1–july 6, 2025
Inviting visitors to leave behind the chaos of modern life and step into a tranquil space where the restorative qualities of nature take center stage.
Drawing inspiration from the diverse landscapes surrounding the artist’s home in rural Oregon, this exhibition transforms the gallery at Oceanside Museum of Art into an immersive experience. Through free-standing steel and aluminum sculptures, suspended works, and intricate wall installations, visitors are transported to a meditative world of forms that evoke the serenity of nature.
Each work begins with moments of quiet observation—whether it’s the arc of a bird in flight, the rustling of wind through leaves, or the gentle rhythm of falling rain. These elements are distilled into abstract sculptural forms, reflecting the harmony of nature’s rhythms and interconnectedness. Devine’s work responds to these surroundings, offering a grounding experience that reconnects viewers with the earth and their own sense of balance.
Walk with Me emerges from the artist’s personal journey of overcoming anxiety and depression, finding peace through daily walks and the meditative process of creating sculpture. In an era dominated by digital distractions, the need to disengage from the virtual world and re-engage with the tangible beauty of the natural world has never been more urgent. Through this exhibition, Devine shares the profound calm and connection he’s found in his natural surroundings, inviting visitors to discover their own moments of stillness and inspiration within the quiet strength of the sculptures.
Born and raised in New England, Matt Devine moved to California in 1995, where he learned to weld and fabricate metal while working alongside his father. He spent 20 formative years in San Diego, where his professional art career developed and solidified.
The contrasts of nature and industry, light and shadow, chaos and order are themes found throughout Devine’s body of work. Pared-down organic shapes are formed out of sheet and solid materials and welded together in harmonious accord, often allowing the metal to appear as light as paper. These contrasts, plus the relationships of patterns and boundaries, address Devine’s desire to contain chaos and push out the discord of an information-saturated culture.
Since becoming a full-time artist in 2004, Devine has developed his signature sculpture style while building his fine art career. His work is on display at highly regarded art galleries across North America, Asia, and Europe, and his sculptures are part of private, corporate, and public collections on five continents.
A strong connection to the San Diego area remains a key part of his story. Over the years, Devine has collaborated with Oceanside Museum of Art through auctions and exhibitions. Notably, one of his sculptures has been displayed outside the museum for several years, serving as a place maker and inviting visitors to engage with the space.
Devine currently works and resides with his wife and daughter on their farm near Portland, Oregon.
SELECT IMAGES
EXHIBITION CELEBRATION
Saturday, March 1, 2025, 5:00-7:00pm
(Members free, Visitors $15)