Matak “unmakes” the works of Iain Baxter, Brian Jungen, Jean-Pierre Gauthier and others by depicting simplified silhouettes of these works against a stark black background. These simplified silhouettes, or “surrogates”, invite the viewer to look beyond the details of individual works to discover themes and patterns which connect them. To move beyond individual voices and identify larger conversations in contemporary Canadian art and Canada more generally.

Matak’s peculiar mix of visual and sociological exploration of art as a social practice is a thematic strand in his works.