MATTHEW COLLINGS (b. 1955 in London, England) is an artist and writer. He studied painting at the Byam Shaw art school. He is a well-known commentator on art. He has written many popular books, as well as written and presented many TV series. His six-part series This is Modern Art, on Channel 4, produced by Ian MacMillan, won many awards including a BAFTA. His book Blimey! From Bohemia to Britpop: The London Artworld from Francis Bacon to Damien Hirst was published by David Bowie. Matthew was commended by the Turner Prize for his work in transforming the UK art magazine Artscribe into an international publication. He is one half of the painting duo, Biggs & Collings, with his partner, the mosaicist Emma Biggs. Their joint works are based on patterns and are in collections throughout the world. Collings is currently working on an illustrated book to be published next year, titled Alternative Art History: What’s happening, why do we have souls, what’s art for?