Roberto Sebastian Antonio Matta

This guy has to be one the most talented artists in the last hundred years, he is semi known, appearing in books on surrealism alongside artists like Salvador Dali. But not as popular as Dali.

At the start of the second world war, Matta, like many surrealist artists of the time, retreated to New York, a safe haven for artists at the time. Unlike many artists of the surrealist movement, he did not work through the cubism style, or Dada.

...Dada I don't like that much, but what it did do was give freedom to art, breaking the chains of art tradition - but this is a post for another time. Lets get back on track...

He worked with great speed and concentration, his speed was vital to his style, certainly I paint in the same way, and it forces your mind to be inventive, making quick impulsive, and therefore original and creative decisions.

Painting top right is entitled "Situation Vert".

Matta liked layers, he would often scratch through the top layer of paint to reveal the level of paint below. See the picture to the right entitled "Labirintad".

Unlike some surrealists who painted an odd version of something obviously real, such as Dali's melting clocks, Matta instead painted emotion, deep parts of his mind, and suggestions of things. Colourful, and deep, his paintings were visual masterpieces, in his own truly unique style.

Matta was influenced by many other surrealist artists, the picture below shows Matta and Max Ernst at an exhibition. Not many people that I meet, know who Matta is, although most I find do like his work. I would be interested to hear your comments so please do feel free to let me know.

If you like this kind of work, then check mine out on my website: http:\\www.BuyGalleryArt.com