Matthew Thompson

Matthew Thompson

Matthew Thompson is an educator, historian, and writer who has lived in Kansas since 2005. His research interests include Progressivism and the Socialist Party of America, the Soviet Union, and the Cold War. He enjoys studying visual arts to help make the world and its history accessible and exciting to others.

“Angel Otero: Diario,” Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

“Angel Otero: Diario,” Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

We’re all influenced by everything. As a sprawling amalgamation of experiences, epiphanies and inputs, Angel Otero’s new installation at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, “Diario,” represents humanity’s psychological landscape. The apparent chaos of the piece belies its sophistication; the sculpture’s densely layered components illustrate not only the tangible influence of its creator, who was born […]

Honors | Zigmunds Priede: From Refugee to Master Printer

Honors | Zigmunds Priede: From Refugee to Master Printer

For one of the final shows in its River Market space before relocating in Tower East, the Kansas City Artists Coalition chose to honor distinguished artist and educator Zigmunds Priede. Priede, a master printer who honed his craft at Universal Limited Art Editions in New York, where he worked alongside high-profile artists like Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg and Helen Frankenthaler, was also a major presence in the art department at Johnson County Community College.

Honors: Jason Needham

Honors: Jason Needham

For Jason Needham, creating art nowadays is all about the journey. What began as a self-imposed challenge for the Kansas City artist during his time as a stay-at-home parent has become the mainstay of his creative output. Needham’s early career focused on comic-style Pop Art paintings, a process he describes as “just having an idea and executing it.

“John Ferry: Mid-Century Modern” and “Nora Othic: Animal Show,” Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art

“John Ferry: Mid-Century Modern” and “Nora Othic: Animal Show,” Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art

For a contemplative look at humanity through an anthropological lens, two new exhibitions at Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art are rich fodder for imagination and introspection. “Mid-Century Modern,” by John Ferry, and “Animal Show,” by Nora Othic, offer vigorous and adroit renditions of our efforts to consummate our species’ insatiable yearning for self-expression through form and […]

“Appropriation Nation,” Kansas City Artists Coalition Snap Gallery

“Appropriation Nation,” Kansas City Artists Coalition Snap Gallery

Some of the most iconic European masterpieces convey simple, universal feelings, but white artists do not have a monopoly on expressions of love, bravery, wanderlust, curiosity, or compassion. Artist Chico Sierra’s awareness of this fundamental truth permeates his exhibition, “Appropriation Nation,” in a beautiful and enticing way. Rather than attempting to assert the legitimacy of […]