Roberto Matta Art for Sale: Prints & Originals

Roberto
Matta

Chilean Surrealist Roberto Matta is celebrated for his otherworldly, psychological landscapes that influenced Abstract Expressionism. If you’re looking for original Roberto Matta prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network’s most in-demand works.

Biography

Born Roberto Antonio Sebastián Matta Echaurren on November 11, 1911, in Santiago, Chile, Matta was originally trained as an architect. His early life was marked by a passion for the arts and the intellect, which led him to study at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. Matta's quest for artistic exploration took him to Paris, where he worked as a draughtsman for famed architect Le Corbusier. It was in Europe that he encountered the influential artists and thinkers who would encourage his transition from architecture to painting.

Matta's development saw him joining the Surrealist group in 1937, where he honed his unique style under Salvador Dalí and André Breton. His early works were characterised by a fascination with the subconscious and dream-like spaces, employing a technique he referred to as psychological morphologies. These biomorphic and spatially complex compositions would become a hallmark of his oeuvre, challenging perceptions and inviting introspection.

During the 1940s, Matta settled in New York, becoming a conduit of Surrealist ideas to the burgeoning circle of artists who would later form the Abstract Expressionist movement. His influence is particularly noted on artists such as Jackson Pollock, William Baziotes, and Arshile Gorky, with whom he shared his philosophy and techniques, including automatism and emphasis on spontaneous creation.

Matta's work evolved through several phases, marked by a continuous exploration of space and the depths of human consciousness. His later works often reflected his political concerns and social commentary, responding to the tumultuous events of the 20th century. He created vast, cosmic scenes that seemed to depict the psychological landscapes of humanity, filled with tension and conflict.

Throughout his career, Matta was celebrated with numerous exhibitions and retrospectives, showcasing his work in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide. Roberto Matta's legacy is that of an artistic innovator who transcended boundaries and enriched the dialogue between European and American art. His works continue to captivate and influence artists, securing his position as a visionary of modern art.

Matta originally pursued a career in architecture, studying under the influential modernist Le Corbusier. However, his creative trajectory took a decisive turn when he encountered the Surrealist movement in Paris during the 1930s. His architectural background infused his art with a unique spatial awareness, allowing him to craft enigmatic, multi-dimensional spaces within his paintings. Matta quickly became a pivotal figure in the Surrealist movement, known for his vivid, abstract landscapes that seem to depict the constant flux of the psychological and material realms.
Matta's most significant contribution to art was his development of inscapes and psychological morphologies. These terms describe his artistic explorations into the realms of the subconscious and the psyche, depicted through fluid, organic forms and a vivid palette. His works, often vast in scale, are immersive experiences, inviting viewers to contemplate the deeper workings of the mind. Matta's ability to visualise the intangible aspects of human thought processes positioned him at the forefront of the Surrealist movement, influencing artists and thinkers alike.
Matta's impact on the art world was profound, but it wasn't without controversy. His association with young American artists during the 1940s, such as Jackson Pollock, Robert Motherwell, and Arshile Gorky, led to significant developments in Abstract Expressionism. However, Matta's involvement with Gorky's wife amidst the latter's emotional turmoil has been cited as a contributing factor to Gorky's tragic suicide. This incident led to Matta's temporary ostracism from the Surrealist circle. Despite this, Matta's influence endures, and his innovative approach to Surrealism remains a cornerstone of 20th-century art.