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Roberto Matta Biography
Roberto Sebastián Antonio Matta Echaurren, known simply as Roberto Matta, was a visionary artist whose work played a pivotal role in the 20th-century art movements of Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism. Born on November 11, 1911, in Santiago, Chile, Matta was raised in a well-educated and culturally rich environment. His mother's influence and his Jesuit education fostered his early interest in art, literature, and languages, which would later inform his diverse and complex body of work.
Matta's initial academic pursuit was in architecture and interior design, which he studied at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile in Santiago, graduating in 1932. His architectural background would later become a significant influence on his artistic style, characterized by a unique blend of organic and cosmic lifeforms and a sense of dynamic, multidimensional spaces.
In 1933, Matta left his homeland to join the Merchant Marines, which allowed him to travel to Europe. He settled in Paris, where he worked as an apprentice in the studio of the renowned modernist architect Le Corbusier. During this period, Matta forged important relationships with members of the Latin American literary avant-garde, including Federico Garcia Lorca, Pablo Neruda, and Gabriela Mistral. It was through these connections that Matta was introduced to the Surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, who encouraged him to present his drawings to André Breton, the leader of the Surrealist movement.
Breton recognized Matta's talent and invited him to join the Surrealist group in 1937. This marked the beginning of Matta's foray into the art world, where he would soon establish himself as a central figure. His early work consisted of drawings that combined figuration and abstraction, but by 1938, he had transitioned to oil painting, which became the medium for which he is best known.
Matta's paintings from this period, such as "Invasion of the Night," showcased his ability to evoke the human psyche through abstract forms. His work was influenced by his encounters with the art of Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, and the writings of Freud, which led to his exploration of the subconscious and the creation of his "inscape" series and "psychological morphologies."
In 1939, with the outbreak of World War II, Matta moved to New York, where he became associated with the New York School of artists, including Jackson Pollock, William Baziotes, and Robert Motherwell. His influence on these artists was profound, as he introduced them to Surrealist concepts and techniques, which would later evolve into Abstract Expressionism.
However, Matta's life and career were not without controversy. In 1948, he was ostracized by his American peers after being implicated in the tragic suicide of his friend Arshile Gorky. This event led to his departure from the United States and his return to Europe, where he would spend much of his remaining life between Paris and Rome.
Throughout his career, Matta experimented with various media, including printmaking, tapestry, ceramics, furniture making, and sculpture. His work often reflected his political engagement and social consciousness, as seen in his support for the socialist government of Salvador Allende in Chile. Matta's art continued to evolve, incorporating lighter tones, mythological themes, and mystical elements in his later years.
Matta's legacy extends beyond his own artistic achievements. He was a mentor and inspiration to many, and four of his six children became notable artists in their own right, including the contemporary artist Gordon Matta-Clark.
Roberto Matta passed away on November 23, 2002, in Civitavecchia, Italy, at the age of 91. His works are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Tate Gallery in London, The Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice. Matta's contributions to art history remain influential, as he bridged the gap between European Surrealism and American Abstract Expressionism, leaving an indelible mark on the visual arts.
Roberto Matta Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
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