It Started (2023) Digital Arts by Mat 1618

M@t 1618, an artist, has been driven by a creative spirit since a very young age. At the age of four, he created his first work – spheres on fired ceramic – marking the beginning of a unique journey. Even today, M@t 1618 draws creative energy from the same source that inspired him back then. He creates in an autistic manner, letting the concept of time fade away during his artistic sessions. Starting from a blank canvas, he sustains adrenaline and impulse, giving birth to his artistic compositions.

His art primarily finds expression on the streets in the form of graffiti, which he then transposes into his studio. However, he doesn't limit himself to this. In 2016, performance art supported his approach as he achieved an impressive artistic feat by destroying an entire series of 32 works in his project titled "opus 1": CDD, which stands for "Création / Destruction / Dépassement" (Creation / Destruction / Overcoming).

The artist is heavily influenced by prominent figures in art history such as Leonardo da Vinci, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Edward Hopper, Jackson Pollock, Georges Seurat, Damien Hirst, Roy Lichtenstein, Keith Haring, Edgar Degas, and Banksy. These artists played a crucial role in shaping his creative energy in directions he aims to master.

Through his exploration, M@t 1618 has developed his own artistic movement called "sphérisme." The sphere represents the architecture of this creative movement, condensed into three elements (M): "material, equipment, and method." This unique approach allows him to create innovative, original, and captivating works.

Two personal quotes emerged during the artist's creative process, reflecting his vision of art and the world. The first, "Art... is the illumination of the essence of existence," expresses his belief that art is a timeless means of communication connecting artists across eras and the living. Art crystallizes the spirit of its time and enables the sharing of an ephemeral atmosphere, unique to the passing moment.

The second, more dualistic and embraced by the artist, "Good and evil are part of a perfect balance that completely surpasses us; our responsibility as humans lies in the choices we make and the actions we take." According to M@t 1618, this dualism is inherent in humanity, and this awareness is reflected in his creations, where powerful contrasts are omnipresent.

As an artist in constant evolution, M@t 1618 continues to draw inspiration from his experiences, influences, and internal inquiries. His artistic journey is marked by a constant quest for renewal and exploration, driving him ever further in his exploration of the world through art.

• Nationality: FRANCE
• Date of birth : 1973
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary French Artists