Interview

Written By Adelé Kotzé

Serhii Matveichenko

Serhii Matveichenko, also known as Matthew Morpheus, hails from Ukraine and is a renowned visual artist. His illustrious career has garnered international acclaim, with awards from cities like Beijing, Moscow, and New York. Notably, Morpheus has pioneered two techniques in abstractionism. While his creative journey began in Ukraine, Morpheus has also resided in Tel Aviv, Israel, and currently calls the United Kingdom home. As a trailblazer in contemporary art, his works vividly capture the essence of the 21st Century New Age, embracing diverse cultural influences and unconventional genres.

 

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“As an artist working in the realm of abstraction, graphics and digital collage art, my background is unconventional. I lack formal artistic education, but my passion for self-expression led me to explore the vibrant world of abstract and digital art. My journey began with experimentation, fueled by raw emotion and a desire to communicate through color, form, and texture. My art is a reflection of my inner landscape, transcending boundaries and inviting viewers to find their own meaning within the artistic works.”

What inspires you?

“I hear the echo of protests, I see the reflections of revolutions. And every pixel in the collage is the shadows of digital cities. My collages are a path that leads to new freedoms. And every line of the canvas is a struggle, this is a sound, this is an era of change. I seek inspiration in the mundane and the extraordinary, in fleeting moments and eternal truths. The interplay of chaos and order, the tension between freedom and constraint – these paradoxes ignite my creativity. And perhaps, most profoundly, it is the human spirit – resilient, fragile, and infinitely complex – that fuels my artistic fire.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“Balance and chaos. A game with a delicate balance between chaos and order. The compositions balance on the edge, reflecting the tension between spontaneity and structure. The beauty of our entire amazing world lies in this dance.

Transcendence. I invite my viewers to go beyond the ordinary. My abstract compositions evoke a sense of otherworldliness, encouraging us to look beyond the surface and explore deeper realms of consciousness.

Mystery. Abstract shapes hint at hidden meanings, leaving room for interpretation. Perhaps there are secrets hidden on the canvas, waiting to be unraveled. I don't push any particular message on my viewers. Instead, I invite you to take part in the conversation. My abstract art whispers: “Take a closer look. Feel deeply. Find your own truth."

Through abstraction, I simply encourage you to embrace ambiguity, explore your inner world, and celebrate the beauty of imperfection. So, dear seekers of meaning, when you look at my abstract creations, allow your imagination to roam freely. What stories do colors tell? What emotions do the figures evoke? The canvas is now your canvas - paint your own story.”

How would you describe your work?

“My paintings are symbols, mysterious and multi-valued. They are not limited to one meaning. They contain emotions - joy, melancholy, inspiration. Every hint on the canvas is a question, an invitation to a solution. My work is freedom. I don't dictate to the viewer what to see. Instead, I suggest interpretation. Perhaps everyone will find their own answer in abstract forms.”

Which artists influence you most?

“Many artists with unique styles inspire me. But separately, my heart was won by an unnamed Chinese artist, whose work I noticed at a flea market. The painting, untitled, sold for ten pounds, but it struck me with its simplicity and elegance.”

“The ethereal dance of light on water at dawn, the melancholic strains of a cello, the intricate patterns of a spider’s web glistening with dew – these are my muses.”

What is your creative process like?

“In the digital world I'm looking for my colors, they are hidden in pixels, in code, in electronic traces. My collages are a reflection of the era, a look through the prism of time, I am an artist of the information age, collecting fragments of reality. 

In the world of lines and canvas there's no predetermined outcome; instead, I let the colors guide me. I explore various mediums – acrylics, oils, or mixed media. Each stroke is an invitation to discover something new. My movements are fluid. I let my emotions flow through my fingertips. Sometimes chaos leads to unexpected beauty. I build layers – translucent washes, bold marks, delicate textures. Each layer interacts, revealing glimpses of what lies beneath. I step away from the canvas. Distance provides perspective. Is it harmonious? Does it evoke emotion? Sometimes I follow intuition; other times, I edit ruthlessly. It's a delicate balance. Silence allows introspection; music fuels creativity. Both have a place in my studio. Knowing when to stop is an art in itself. Sometimes a single brushstroke transforms everything. In the abstract, I find freedom – a canvas where my soul whispers, and colors respond.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“An artist is a mirror of society, reflecting its spirit, struggles and dreams.”

Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?

“Yes, before the war that hit my country, I had exhibitions in New York, Moscow, and Beijing. I now live and work in the UK and am a member of Abandoned artists, thanks to whose support I can continue to create my artistic work.”

 
Adelé Kotzé
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