Courtesy of Matthew StoneArts+Culture / LightboxMatthew Stone’s art reminds us how much we need each otherThe artist and shaman debuts a series of digital paintings that explore the notion of utopia through the importance of interdependenceShareLink copied ✔️July 6, 2016Arts+CultureLightboxText Ashleigh Kane Matthew Stone‘s Healing Wounds Is an artistic utopia possible? Even if it’s not, it’s an intriguing concept to explore – especially when it’s artist, shaman and co-founder of now-disbanded east London creative network and art collective !WOWOW!, Matthew Stone, leading the exploration. If you are familiar with his work, then you’ll know that things are never as they seem, and Stone’s work both utilises and subverts traditional art techniques in order to redefine disciplines such as painting, performance or collaging. Opening today at Somerset House in honour of the 500th anniversary of Thomas Moore’s book Utopia – where work by fellow artists, such as Ibrahim Kamara is also on display – his latest exhibition Healing Wounds debuts a series of digital paintings, created through computer-generated 3D sculpting, painting, and rendering that bring forth nude bodies from Stone's brushstrokes. The interconnected bodies, he says, symbolise the importance of interdependence and collaboration with other people in order to “heal” ourselves. As such, while previous work has played with notions of whether utopia exists, Stone reveals that through Healing Wounds he instead explores identity and conflict resolution. As England plunges deeper into darkness with the recent referendum result piling on top of pre-existing issues such as the cost of living, gentrification and the quashing of London’s culture that feel more dystopian than utopian, Stone’s Healing Wounds is a subtle reminder of how much more beautiful the world (and our art) can be if we celebrate one another. Healing Wounds is part of Somerset House’s Utopian Voices Here & Now, on show now until 29 August, 2016 Healing WoundsCourtesy of Matthew StoneEscape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.TrendingIs this the most corrupt World Cup ever?From Donald Trump’s alleged meddling to theories of a pro-Argentina conspiracy, accusations of foul play are taking over the 2026 World CupLife & CultureLife & CultureWhy the smartest person you know is watching Love IslandBumble & BumbleBeauty‘Texture is documentary’: Matt Benns on 25 years of Surf SprayArt & PhotographyThese photos explore the ‘human, tender, gritty truths’ behind kinkBeauty10 of the hottest Instagram accounts fusing art, sex and eroticaArt & Photography‘Queer, playful, chaotic and sweaty’: Photos from east London’s HowlMusicOlivia Rodrigo: ‘A breakup can be an opportunity to redirect your life’Dazed LeagueInside an intimate soccer watch party in New YorkLife & CultureIt’s a sin: Why gen Z are turning against ‘lust’Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy