Don’t get too comfortable escapes into a realm of imagination. There are recurring motifs: volcanoes, tents, rodeo bulls, zoos, wild animals, nature – cultured and wild, the topsy-turvy space of the picture plane. Despite its clear escapism, this imagery presents as metaphor, and speaks to experiences we all face in our lives and relationships.
Matthew and Caroline Cheyne work from their house and studio on the outskirts of Ipswich. There, domestic life and art exist almost without separation. Art in progress can be seen from the kitchen table, and this is often where it is discussed, alongside other important events and occurrences of daily life.
Matthew Cheyne works across painting, drawing and sculpture. Caroline Cheyne is an artist with a background in music and architecture. As husband and wife, Matt and Caro live in a house they have built and designed, which is both a home and a studio. Within this mutual space, creativity is shared, and the artists have leaned into this reality to explore an active collaboration for this exhibition.
Image: Matthew Cheyne + Caroline Cheyne Tending a small fire, 2025 (detail). Image courtesy of the artist and Mitchell Fine Art, Brisbane. Photography by Caroline Cheyne.
