Opening Night of 'Surf City' – A Celebration of Matthew Wolfenden's Vibrant Coastal Visions

Friday night at Wester Gallery, we had the pleasure of welcoming art enthusiasts, collectors, friends and curious minds to the highly anticipated opening of Matthew Wolfenden's latest solo exhibition, Surf City. From the moment the doors opened, there was a palpable energy in the air, a testament to the bold, sun-drenched world that Matthew has created in this series.

As guests streamed in, they were immediately drawn to the vibrant splashes of color and playful compositions that characterize Matthew's work. His paintings, heavily inspired by coastal landscapes, are not just about surfboards and sandy shores—they are a reflection of the carefree, dynamic lifestyle of seaside culture. The exhibition space itself seemed to come alive, with each piece demanding attention and evoking memories of summer days spent by the ocean.

It was clear that this collection wasn’t just about the aesthetic beauty of the coast but about translating the deep connection he feels with these environments.

Guests mingled, sipping on Young Henrys and Usher Tinkler Wines. Conversations flowed as people shared their personal connections to the sea—many reminiscing about their own experiences of surf towns and beachside escapes, which made Matthew’s work resonate even more deeply. You could see it in the way people lingered, soaking in the atmosphere and returning to certain pieces as if they were drawing them back, like the ebb and flow of the tide.

The night was a true celebration—not just of Matthew's work, but of the community that Wester Gallery has built. This exhibition marks an important step in bringing contemporary coastal art to Newcastle's thriving art scene, and it was amazing to see so many familiar faces alongside new visitors, all sharing in the creative energy that filled the room.

Surf City will be on view for the next two weeks, and I can't recommend enough that you come experience it for yourself. Whether you're a fan of the surf or just someone who appreciates vibrant, expressive art, Matthew Wolfenden’s work will transport you to a sunlit world where the waves crash and the possibilities seem endless.

Matthew Wolfenden’s latest body of work, 'Surf City,' is an enthralling exploration of the dynamic and vibrant energy of coastal life. Created in his Sydney studio, the artist captures the essence of the surf culture, blending it with his reflections on the natural world and urban landscapes. Wolfenden's deeply humanistic approach shines through in every piece, where his vision manifests in the interplay of vivid colours and fluid forms. The layered textures and sweeping brushstrokes evoke the rhythmic pulse of the ocean, drawing viewers into a captivating visual experience that transcends the ordinary and celebrates the beauty of surf culture.

We’ll see you at the gallery!