
Matthew Morpheus (Serhii Matveichenko), a Ukrainian-born artist, masterfully blends graphics, collage, and aerosol paints to create works that resonate with global audiences. Celebrated in Beijing, Moscow, and New York, his art reflects a cosmopolitan dialogue. Residing in the UK, each piece he crafts is a heartfelt message to the world, capturing the essence of diverse cultures.
Having lived in Ukraine, Israel, and now the United Kingdom, how has this diverse cultural experience influenced your work and your understanding of contemporary art?Each country has its own unique cultural landscape, history, and artistic traditions, and immersing myself in these diverse environments has enriched my artistic vision in ways I could never have imagined. Each place I have lived in has left an indelible mark on my art, and I am grateful for how these experiences continue to shape my creative journey. Now, living in the UK, I find myself at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. The rich artistic heritage of the UK, combined with its vibrant contemporary art scene, has provided me with a wealth of inspiration.
You describe yourself as a "philosopher of your time." What message do you aim to convey through your art, and how does it reflect your vision of 21st-century humanity?A person can display only one emotion on their face—fear, joy, sadness, sympathy—but within the soul, a person is multifaceted. All intertwined experiences, from love to hatred, create the most important feeling, which lies in the hidden recesses of the soul. I call this feeling "Zero Emotion." My task is to capture exactly that—the most essential emotion—in the life of each of us.The combination of various artistic techniques and modern technologies allows me to explore this theme in a constantly changing and multifaceted world.
Your work is filled with symbolism. How important are these symbols to your art, and how do you decide which ones to incorporate into each piece?Symbolism serves as a bridge between the viewer's perception and the deeper narrative I aim to convey. Each overt symbol I incorporate into my work carries a multitude of hidden meanings, often drawing from a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and personal references. These symbols are not merely decorative elements but integral components that enhance the narrative aspect of my art.The importance of hidden symbols lies in their ability to evoke emotion and provoke thought. They function as visual metaphors that invite viewers to delve beneath the surface and explore vivid themes and messages. This interaction creates a deeper and more engaging experience, allowing everyone to interpret the work through their own unique perspective.Ultimately, the selection and inclusion of symbols are driven by my desire to create art that resonates on multiple levels, offering viewers a window into the complexity of the human experience and the many ways we interpret our world.
How has your artistic perspective evolved over the years? Do you feel that maturity has changed the themes or narratives you explore?Yes, absolutely. Life's vicissitudes and hardships have contributed to my transition from the maximalist views of adolescence to a more mature understanding of the world. As I have grown older, so has the depth and complexity of the themes and narratives I explore in my work.The war in my homeland of Ukraine, the war in Israel where I lived for many years, social upheaval in Germany, and now my life in the UK—all these events and triggers have directly influenced my desire to experiment with different styles and techniques.Maturity has brought a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of human experience and the complexity of social issues. My recent work tends to explore broader themes such as society and coexistence in times of war and upheaval.I am increasingly drawn to creating art that not only reflects my personal journey but also resonates with a wider audience, provoking conversation and thought.Moreover, as I engage more with the art community and participate in global exhibitions, I have come to realize the importance of art as a tool for social commentary and change.
Your collages, such as New World Order and New Gods, seem to critically reflect on modern society. How do you choose the elements to include in these compositions?Yes, you're right. The world has gone global—wars, cataclysms, social unrest—and this is just the beginning. Creating collages like New World Order and New Gods is a complex process that involves deep reflection on the current state of society and its multifaceted problems. Choosing the elements for these compositions is both an intuitive and conscious act, based on research, personal experience, and cultural observations.
I begin with extensive research on the topics I want to explore. This includes reading articles, books, and news feeds, as well as observing the world around me. I pay close attention to socio-political trends and cultural shifts to gather a wide range of material for my work.
Each element I choose must have significant symbolic weight. I look for images and objects that resonate with the themes I have chosen, whether they relate to technology, power dynamics, or the nature of human relationships. These symbols help create a narrative and act as catalysts that encourage viewers to engage with the artwork on a deeper level.
A key technique in my collages is the use of juxtaposition. For example, by placing contrasting elements side by side, I aim to emphasize the complexities and contradictions inherent in contemporary society. This visual tension invites viewers to question and reflect on the interrelationships between these elements.
How much of your creative process in making collages is planned, and how much happens spontaneously as you work?The process of creating my collages is a harmonious combination of careful planning and spontaneous creativity. These two aspects deeply complement each other.
The journey begins with a solid conceptual foundation. I spend a significant amount of time researching and developing the themes and messages I want to convey. This includes gathering references and sketching out preliminary ideas.
The choice of symbols is informed and driven by the thematic nature of the piece. I further select elements that resonate with the narrative I want to construct, ensuring that they add depth and meaning to the artwork. Before I begin to assemble, I often create rough layouts and sketches to visualize the composition. This helps to organize the visual flow and ensure that the final piece is aesthetically balanced.
Once the groundwork is laid, I let my intuition guide the process. It is in this spontaneous aspect that much of the magic happens. As I arrange and rearrange elements, new ideas emerge, and the composition develops organically.
As the collage takes shape, I respond to the visuals that emerge. This adaptive approach allows me to make adjustments in real time and take unexpected turns that often lead to exciting results.
Essentially, my creative process is a dance between structure and spontaneity. Planning provides a solid foundation, while spontaneity gives life and energy to the work. This interaction ensures that each collage is not only a coherent narrative but also a vibrant and dynamic expression of my artistic vision.
Your collages invite reflection and, at times, even provoke. What do you hope the audience feels or considers when engaging with them?As I have mentioned before, when creating collages, my main goal is to evoke a deep sense of reflection and contemplation in my audience. I aim to challenge conventional views and provoke reflection on various social, cultural, and existential issues. It is my sincere hope that viewers feel connected to the themes and narratives I explore.
Furthermore, I want viewers to feel a sense of curiosity and intrigue. My collages, like my other artworks, are designed to provoke dialogue and encourage viewers to ask questions—both about the artworks and about themselves.
Ultimately, my hope is that the audience walks away with a renewed perspective, having considered new points of view and perhaps even questioning their own beliefs. If my art can inspire even one person to see the world differently or think more deeply about an issue, I consider that a success.
Do you see your collages as a form of visual chronicle of today’s society? What role does social critique play in them?Yes, absolutely. I see my collages as a form of visual chronicle of today's society. They are my way of documenting the events, contradictions, and complexities that we are all currently witnessing in the world. Through these works, I aim to capture the essence of our time while shedding light on pressing issues that are often overlooked or simply accepted without question.
In my opinion, art has the unique power to inspire critical thinking and drive change. Social critique plays a central role in my collages as I strive to provoke dialogue and reflection. By juxtaposing symbols and elements that challenge conventional narratives, my work encourages viewers to reconsider their perspectives and engage with the issues that shape our collective reality.
Your black-and-white abstract pieces, like Roundelay, create a striking interplay between colour simplicity and form complexity. What role does contrast play in these works?I started my artistic journey with black-and-white graphics, which laid the foundation for my understanding of contrast and form. While these abstract works were well-received by critics, they often proved challenging for a broader audience to interpret. Remarkably, viewers see completely different forms in the same painting—an effect that abstraction allows me to achieve.
The interplay of black and white highlights the depth and complexity of the forms without the distraction of colour. This simplicity emphasizes the intricate details and nuances of the composition, inviting the viewer to focus on the interplay of shapes, lines, and textures. The bold contrast between black and white elements adds a sense of drama to the work, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal. In fact, contrast is a fundamental element in my black-and-white abstract pieces, serving as a powerful tool to heighten visual interest and emotional impact.
What draws you to work with a monochromatic palette in these pieces? Do you think this amplifies the message or emotion of the artwork?Working in a monochrome palette offers a purity of expression that I find deeply resonant. Stripping away colour reveals the essence of the artwork, enhancing both its visual impact and the underlying message.
This choice is both artistic and philosophical. Black and white provide a directness and simplicity that amplify the themes I explore, making the works more powerful and memorable. The monochrome palette allows me to emphasize form, texture, and contrast, guiding the viewer’s attention to the details that matter most.
That said, I have since moved away from monochrome compositions to experiment with other materials and techniques. By incorporating auditory and tactile elements, I seek to engage viewers on multiple sensory levels, broadening the emotional and experiential impact of my work.
How do you balance the simplicity of colour with the intricate patterns that define these pieces?Balancing the simplicity of colour with intricate patterns is an intuitive process for me. It requires a subtle interplay between contrast and detail. I approach it instinctively, allowing the composition to guide me as it evolves.
Each piece is a delicate dance between restraint and complexity, where the absence of colour serves to amplify the richness of the patterns. This intuitive balance ensures that the artwork remains both visually striking and conceptually cohesive.
Your vibrant, colourful works, such as The First After God and Conquistador, are visually striking. Is there a specific narrative behind these pieces?The First After God and Conquistador represent a pivotal stage in my artistic evolution. While monochrome graphic compositions hold a special beauty, they tend to attract attention primarily from the academic art community. To make my work more accessible and engaging for a broader audience, I decided to introduce colour into my graphic pieces.
Each vibrant, colourful work has its own distinct narrative woven into its composition. However, because these are graphic abstractions, the meaning is open to interpretation—viewers see in them what they are capable of seeing. This openness invites a deeply personal connection with each piece, making the artwork more interactive and thought-provoking.
The colours in these works seem almost organic and dynamic. What inspires you to use such bold palettes and intricate patterns?Creating these vibrant graphics is a meticulous and time-intensive process. The bold colours and intricate patterns are brought to life using special pens made by Sakura in Japan, as no other tools provide the same effect. Believe me, I’ve tried!
Each piece can take up to six months of careful labour. The process requires an extraordinary level of precision—one wrong movement, and I have to start all over again. This is why I create such works very rarely, and they are highly valuable both artistically and financially.
The dynamic and organic quality of the colours reflects the passion and dedication I pour into each piece. The vibrant palettes are inspired by the desire to captivate the viewer and create a visual experience that is as compelling as it is intricate.
What challenges or opportunities do you encounter when working with such a diverse and vivid color range?I am very pedantic and meticulous. Therefore, the time I spend creating paintings is the greatest limitation in my life. If a work is created without enthusiasm, without love for what you do, it won’t be interesting or attractive to anyone. You could spend your whole life creating mediocre works, but you will only be remembered for the one where you poured a part of your immortal soul.
What aspects of daily life do you find most inspiring for your work—political, social, or personal contexts?As an artist, I draw inspiration from everywhere. Every event in life is like a unique lens through which I can explore and express creativity.
The political landscape is a vital source of inspiration for my work. Observing the dynamics of power and the technologies used to control the masses provides a rich array of topics to explore.
The social structure of our communities also has a profound influence on my art. I’m fascinated by how social norms, cultural traditions, and collective behavior shape our identities and interactions. Exploring social issues such as inequality, diversity, and community resilience allows me to emphasize the complexities of human connection. In my work, I aim to capture the essence of social dynamics and encourage empathy and understanding among viewers.
Ultimately, my work is a fusion of political, social, and personal contexts. I believe that art has the power to influence the world we live in, and I aim to use this opportunity—my creative voice—to explore and illuminate various aspects of everyday life.
What motivates you to explore new techniques or formats, such as your work with digital art and NFTs?I’m open to all things new. The dynamic nature of the digital age offers limitless opportunities for innovation and self-expression that cannot be found in traditional media.
Before the war started in Ukraine, I was fortunate to collaborate with a Chinese company, NFT MAZE Marketplace, which created a platform to promote digital art. They invited me to create some artworks for them, and that’s when I discovered the genre of digital collage.
These technologies open entirely new dimensions for artistic exploration, enabling artists to create works that are both complex and fluid, and to quickly realize ideas without the limitations of physical materials.
NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, have revolutionized how art is created, distributed, and appreciated. The decentralized nature of blockchain technology offers a new paradigm for artists, providing unprecedented opportunities for ownership, authenticity, and monetization of digital works. The joy of being part of this pioneering space motivates me to experiment with NFTs, as they challenge traditional notions of art collection and distribution.
In addition, the interactive and public aspects of digital art and NFTs are particularly inspiring. Interacting with a global audience in real time, receiving instant feedback, and participating in an active online art community adds dynamism and collaboration to my practice. This connection enhances the creative process, allowing for a richer exchange of ideas and deeper engagement with the audience. Utilizing these new mediums enables me to remain at the forefront of contemporary art and to continue evolving as an artist.
How do the audience’s interpretations of your work affect you? Have their reactions ever led you to explore new creative directions?When viewers share their interpretations, it opens up new dimensions of understanding for me. Their reactions often highlight aspects of the work that I may have overlooked or taken for granted. This feedback is invaluable, allowing me to see my work from different perspectives and understand its broader impact.
When I notice strong emotional reactions, it encourages me to delve deeper into those areas. For example, if a piece evokes intense feelings of nostalgia or sparks meaningful discussions, I might decide to explore those themes further in my future works.
This constant exchange helps me grow as an artist, ensuring that my work remains relevant and thought-provoking.
Your work is often described as a "letter to the world." Have you noticed differences in how your pieces are perceived in different countries or cultures?As far as I remember, it was an art gallery curator who first described my work that way. That was the first time I heard it.
My work has been exhibited in many countries, and indeed, different nations approach art evaluation in unique ways. I believe this is due to historical context, differing social norms, and aesthetic preferences, all of which deeply influence how my art—or any art—is perceived.
For instance, in the United States, where there is a strong tradition of abstract and conceptual art, viewers often focus more on the technical execution and formal qualities of my work. They appreciate the structural complexity and interplay of shapes and colors, delving into the theoretical aspects.
In China, a culture with a rich narrative tradition, there is typically greater emphasis on the narrative elements. Viewers there tend to seek symbolic meanings and underlying messages, connecting them to their cultural myths and personal experiences.
The socio-political context also plays a critical role in shaping the perception of my work. In regions undergoing political or social upheaval, my pieces exploring themes of power, identity, and resistance tend to resonate more deeply and elicit stronger emotional responses.
Overall, these differences in perception are a testament to art’s universal language and its ability to speak to the human experience in countless ways.
Many of your works are produced as limited editions. What does exclusivity mean to you as an artist, and how does it affect the audience’s connection with your art?Releasing limited editions enhances the unique value and appeal of each artwork, making them more special and desirable to collectors and art lovers. It fosters a sense of intimacy and personal connection between the work and its owner. Collectors value rarity and uniqueness, knowing that only a select few have the privilege of experiencing a particular piece.
This limited availability can make the experience of owning a work of art more personal and meaningful, as if the piece was created especially for them.
From an artistic perspective, producing limited editions allows me to control the quality and distribution of my work. It ensures that each piece stays true to my vision and maintains its intended impact. It also provides the freedom to experiment with new ideas and techniques without the pressures of mass production, keeping my creative process fresh and innovative.
What themes or techniques would you like to explore in the future?I am currently immersed in a project that explores the intersection of digital and physical realities. It is an installation that combines information art with traditional art to create an interactive experience for viewers. The aim is to challenge perceptions of space by inviting viewers to become part of the artwork.
I am particularly interested in exploring how technology transforms our identities, relationships, and perceptions of reality.
How would you like your work and contribution to contemporary art to be remembered?Every artist dreams of leaving a mark on history, but only a few succeed. Time alone will determine whether my work gathers dust in forgotten drawers of provincial museums or is sold at world-famous auctions.
I want my art to inspire others to achieve great things. I hope to be remembered as an artist who pushed boundaries, embraced innovation, and used creativity to reshape how the world sees itself. May my work be an eternal flame that lights the way to new horizons in the realms of art and humanity.
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