Artist : Pedro Matos (Q&A)

Pedro Matos is an artist who resides in Portugal.  His work focuses on humanity, society and the human condition.  He started with graffiti, making the city his canvas but now also creates art that’s been seen in galleries all over.

Your street work is very indicative of graffiti.  Growing up I remember seeing train cars that had tons of really good graffiti art on them.  The train cars actually came from all over the U.S. and in a way allowed the artists work to travel without them even knowing its whereabouts.  When you create something in a public place that city block, that alley etc. becomes your art gallery.  Was that aspect a part of your inspiration to do street art?

 Definitely. By placing work on the street, on a public space, that piece belongs to everyone! Every kind of person from every walks of life can see your work right there. There are no galleries or institutions judging the artist or the viewer.  Another interesting aspect of working in the street is the interaction with the city, the people, the weather, other artists, etc..  Street Art is a living and ephemeral art, and it’s a precious experience for both the artist and the viewer!

We all see the world in a different way.  I personally feel that we all also have our own way of expressing how we see the world whether it be through music, art, design etc.  Do you feel that people can view your work and gain insight on who you are and your perspective on things as a person?

 I think they can gain more insight on who they are rather than on who I am. 

Do you feel that your art is your way of speaking to the world?  What I mean is do you feel that street art is your platform to speak to more people than you would physically be able to?

Indeed. Whether it was on a gallery, street or online, thousands of people have seen my work so I guess I reach way more people this way than I physically could. I also believe that art (not only painting, but music, cinema, dance, etc) can touch you in a way that speech couldn’t. Words are way more ephemeral than street art! But this doesn’t mean I see my work as political or any kind of preach though.

“They said I would be happier here” is your most recent series to date.  Can you give some insight on how you plan to present your work and the meaning behind it?

 It was originally about old people who have been abandoned by their offspring or dumped in a care home. This body of work speaks for those elderly people in Portugal who are alone in the countryside while their offspring have moved to Lisbon or the coast. I have done a street piece in Santarem and a couple of paintings and drawings on this theme. But I am already moving into new ideas and working (conceptually) on new things that will gain physical form in the near future.

What tools do you use to create your paintings?

 Mostly I use acrylics when working on canvas and charcoal on paper. But I use everything really from spray can, air/water compressor, markers, water, chalk, and so on. I’m now also learning how to paint with oils too and that’s a more traditional approach.

Being an artist from Portugal who also creates art in the cities, you’re literally a part of what people see when they travel there.  Can you give some insight on your culture and how you feel life in Portugal has influenced your art?

 I had never thought about it that way!I think I am way more influenced by the world as a whole than by being portuguese or something else. I don’t even relate myself to most of the portuguese characteristics. I feel like a tourist in my own country sometimes too. But of course that by living in Lisbon, I am fed by what I see and experience here on a daily basis. But I haven’t been aware of those influences yet.. except that now I have been interested about bringing Fado into my paintings.. But I’m not quite sure how to do that yet.

Whats the biggest satisfaction you’ve got from what your art?

Painting, creating, being free!

Where can more of your work be found?

 I am now being represented by Art-el Gallery in Bristol, where I’ll be showing in a group exhibition next December. Other than that, you can go to my website, facebook, or look around in the streets of your own town.. you never know..

Anything else you would like to add?

 I hope this inspires people to do what they love instead of what they are told to.

 Johnny T. is the Video and Design page editor as well as a contributor to the music Page for IVYBetty.com. ______________________________________________________________ Follow us on twitter @IVYBetty Facebook @IVYBetty