Matthew Ludak (b. 1996) is a documentary photographer and photojournalist focusing on long-term projects about economic disparity, de-industrialization, and environmentalism in the United States.
Published and exhibited internationally, in 2021 Ludak received an Artist Fellowship from New Jersey State Council on the Arts. His work has been exhibited in the Wisconsin Biennial at the Museum of Wisconsin Art, New York City, Braga Portugal. In 2022 Ludak was invited to attend the prestigious Eddie Adam’s workshop in Calicoon, New York where he received the National Geographic award for his work. In 2024 Ludak was included in GUP Magazines FRESH EYES International 2024 Talent, as well as receiving an Award of Excellence from the Alexia Foundation. Ludak’s work has been featured in The Washington Post, The Economist, TIME, Bloomberg, and Fox Business. He holds a BA in History and English from Drew University, a Certificate in Documentary Studies from the International Center for Photography, and an MFA in Studio Art from the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
In anticipation of Matthew’s upcoming exhibition at Elliott Gallery, we had the pleasure of speaking with him. In the interview, he discusses her inspirations and the story behind his winning series, Nothing Gold Can Stay.
What is your background in Photography?
Since my father is a photographer, photography has always occupied a space in my life. However, until the Covid-19 pandemic, I never really thought about it as anything more than a hobby. During the pandemic, I had a lot of time on my hands, and I began working on a series of images taken around my grandmother's home in rural northeastern Pennsylvania. Subsequently, I applied to and was accepted at the International Center of Photography in New York City, where I studied documentary practices for a year. After graduating in 2021, I applied to and was accepted into the MFA program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While attending Madison, I also began working as a freelance photojournalist for magazines and newspapers like The Washington Post, Bloomberg, and the Economist.
How did you find out about the Open Call and what made you submit your proposal?
I found out about the call because of an advertisement on Instagram. Honestly, a lot of the calls or applications I end up filling out are found by chance. There are so many opportunities out there for artists, but finding them is another story.
What inspired the series that you submitted, and can you share the story or meaning behind your series?
This series was inspired by my own family's history of living and working in a small coal mining town in Western Pennsylvania. The name of the series, 'Nothing Gold Can Stay,' is borrowed from one of my favourite poets, Robert Frost, who often explored themes of isolation, fear, and the relationship between humans and the natural world in his poems. The body of work delves into the intricate tapestry of economic desperation, resilience, beauty, and transformation that defines these often-overlooked corners of American society.
Do you have a favourite photograph in the series?
This is a tough question for me because my favourite photographs are constantly changing. Sometimes, I'll have a favourite and spend a lot of time looking at or editing it, only to find that it no longer holds the same appeal, or I might not even consider it particularly good any more. That being said, right now my favourite photo is of a deer crossing the road underneath a freeway bridge. Fans of American cinema might recognize the location of this photo.
How do you feel being exhibited in Elliott Gallery will impact your career and artistic journey?
If I'm being honest, it still feels a little surreal. It was such an unexpected and lovely surprise, and I am extremely humbled by the opportunity. There were so many incredibly talented artists who applied and were shortlisted, so being selected truly feels like an honour. I have just received my MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was a bit unsure of what my next step would be in terms of the professional art world. I hope that exhibiting at the Elliott Gallery will open doors to the fine art world, especially in Europe.
Are there any particular artists or photographers whose work inspires you?
The photographers who have inspired me the most are Sebastião Salgado, Richard Misrach, and my father, Mark Ludak. While there are many artists who have influenced how I approach my work, these three are the ones I continually find myself returning to.
What are your future goals as a photographer?
I hope to support myself and my family through my photography practice. My dream is to regularly exhibit my photographs in galleries and museums worldwide, and to have the ability and opportunity to create bodies of work that I consider timely and significant.
