Geoffrey Mattie
Jack of Spades
January 5 - February 2, 2008

Image: Geoffrey Mattie, Jack of Spades, from the series The Fraternity of The Lantern, 2005


The Jack Of Spades illustrates a man in work clothes and rubber boots, digging a hole in a tangled field
by the light of a kerosene lantern. The encroaching darkness and shadows seem to feed on the light, like
a cancerous growth. The impenetrable black creates a sense of claustrophobia, and the overall tone of
the image is one of foreboding and secrecy. Modern playing cards have their origin in the Tarot deck used
commonly today for the purpose of fortune telling. The Tarot equivalent of the “Jack Of Spades” conveys a
message of caution in fortune telling, and is also indicative of spying and secret information, thus reinforcing
the element of secrecy in the image. The significant titles of these images furthers the concept towards the
series’ identity. The Fraternity Of The Lantern is indicative of a set; a duo, fraternal twins in exceptionally
different moods, yet similar situations. It is a brotherhood denoting stark similarities together with strong
differences. The series portrays a sense of duality and opposition: summer versus winter; earth versus sky;
study verses labour.

Geoffrey Mattie BIO
Originally from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Geoffrey Mattie moved to Montréal, Québec, in 1999 to obtain formal training in conceptual
art photography. In 2005, he received his BFA with a major in photography from Concordia University. Geoffrey Mattie received
an artistic development grant from DuMaurier Arts Council, and has been featured in several exhibitions within the Montréal area.
Geoffrey Mattie currently lives and works in Montréal.



EXHIBITION BROCHURE