Matthew Quick is an artist who masterfully layers meaning—not only are the works a unique amalgamation of the tradition of landscape painting and surrealism, they are imbued with metaphors and stories. 

This Used to Be the Future is a unique vision that recontextualizes the past into the artist’s alternative future. Epic smokestacks of the Industrial Revolution—architecturally beautiful in their simplicity and engineering—are now obsolete in a world far more concerned with carbon emissions than ever before. The once-powerful symbol of empire and commerce is now maligned to an instrument of Armageddon.

In this 1 minute video, Luke Campbell offers a key into a significant work by acclaimed Melbourne artist, Matthew Quick.