Matthew Leiker, Anaheim Vacationland, 2007

Matthew Leiker, Sun-n-Surf Motel, 2008

Matthew Leiker, Honolulu Lulu, 2006

PULLMAN, Wash. – The Washington State University Museum of Art/WSU proudly announces a fun, nostalgic, exhibition of works: “The World of Mateo” by local artist Matthew Leiker, May 18 – July 2. There will be an opening reception at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, in the Museum of Art. All exhibits at the Museum are free and open to the public.

 

“The World of Mateo” is filled with images of an American subculture known by no particular name but seemingly related to road and leisure culture, California style, album jacket graphics of the 50s and our affinity for Hawaiian island iconography. Pullman/Spokane artist, Matthew Leiker, celebrates a time of Tiki lounges, drive-in theatre refreshment cartoons and lounge music that bubbles vibrantly between the hypnotic tones of the ukulele and vibraphone, all of which inspire his imagination to create work that is at once nostalgic and timelessly futuristic. The exhibit features current works by this prolific artist along with a broad selection of record album covers, Tiki mugs and roadside ephemera from his vast personal collection.

 

Leiker grew up in northern California, attended Bridgewater State College just south of Boston in Massachusetts, and recently moved from Pullman to Spokane.  He cites among his influences, trips to Disneyland as a child.  As a young adult, he was employed at the park for seven years and met his wife while working in the Haunted Mansion.

 

The Museum of Art is located on Wilson Road across from Martin Stadium in the Fine Arts Center on the WSU Pullman campus. Summer gallery hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 12 – 4 p.m., closed Sunday & Monday. For more information please contact the museum at 509-335-1910 or visit our website at http://museum.wsu.edu.