The Virtual Memories Show Episode 623 - Matt Madden
Jan 29, 2025
Cartoonist Matt Madden returns to discuss his new collection, Six Treasures of the Spiral. He delves into the liberation found in formal constraints and shares his experiences with OULIPO. Madden reflects on how these structures can spark creativity and storytelling. He also talks about his residency in France, the influence of Hergé on his work, and balancing comics-making with family life. Additionally, he highlights the importance of maintaining heart within constraints and maintaining accessibility in avant-garde storytelling.
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Long Journey To The Collection
- Matt Madden described assembling the collection over many years, starting with a residency in France and earlier short experimental comics.
- He recounted redrawing pieces like Bridge and expanding the project into the final Six Treasures of the Spiral book.
Constraints As Creative Engines
- Madden credits Raymond Queneau's Exercises in Style and OUlIPO for teaching constraints as a creative engine.
- He argues constraints free creativity by forcing surprising choices and new story paths.
Unwitting Hergé Influence
- Madden realized Hergé's line work unintentionally influenced his comic Six Treasures of the Spiral years after drawing it.
- He discovered Tintin-like elements only upon revisiting the art later and seeing Herge's influence.
