top of page
Matthew Morpheus

Art as a mosaic of experiences

Interview with Matthew Morpheus

1.  Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.

I have spent my life in a constant state of wanderlust, travelling through Ukraine, Israel, Germany and the UK. Each place has left an indelible mark on my creative soul, shaping me into the artist I am today.

In Ukraine, I first experienced the raw power of art reflecting reality. Israel expanded my horizons with its rich cultural tapestry, infusing my work with new influences. Germany immersed me in the heart of European art, encouraging me to experiment and explore beyond conventional boundaries. Finally, the UK became my home, where I combined all these diverse elements into a unique artistic style.



Each journey taught me new lessons and filled my creative well with endless inspiration. I have learnt to see the world through the lens of different cultures and histories, creating work that resonates globally. My art is a testament to my travels, a mosaic of experiences gathered over years of wandering.

My journey as an artist began with a fascination for the fragments of reality that surround us on a daily basis. My combined study of traditional and digital art allows me to create different techniques. Over the years, I found my true voice in the art of collage where I could combine time, space and emotion into a cohesive narrative. Each of my pieces is a reflection of my constant search and a testament to the endless possibilities of creativity. My work is more than just assembling images; it is about telling stories and evoking emotions that resonate on a deep human level.



2.  Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?

My art is a wild dance of emotion and unbridled energy against the backdrop of a concrete jungle. I draw inspiration from the ferocious spirit of animals and the raw essence of human nature, juxtaposing them against a harsh, unyielding man-made environment. My work focuses on the primal forces that drive us, the vices hidden in urban chaos. Each of my works is a battlefield where dreams and reality collide, a testament to the untamed spirit in each of us.

Matthew Morpheus is not merely my name; it is my manifesto. I morph reality, distilling it into fragments that resonate with the viewer's own memories. My collages are bridges between past and present, between nostalgia and possibility.

So step closer. Look beyond the surface. See the layers—the hidden dialogues, the whispered secrets. Let the textures brush against your fingertips. In this fragmented dance, perhaps you'll find echoes of your own journey—a collage of moments, waiting to be stitched together.

 

3. Could you share any difficulties and hardships you had to face in life and how or if you managed/overcame them?

Life's journey has been a series of trials and tribulations, each one a stepping stone to becoming the artist I am today. One of the biggest challenges for me at the beginning of my artistic journey was finding my voice in the cacophony of the art world. There were times when self-doubt and outside criticism threatened to stifle my creativity. The struggle to balance financial stability and my passion for art often resembled an ongoing battle.

I drew strength from the wild resilience of animals and the unyielding power of human nature. Of course, the war in Ukraine and the struggle for the existence of the nation also left an indelible imprint on my art and my character. These elements have become both my muse and my mentors. By harnessing the hidden, unbridled energy within me, I have learnt to channel my struggles into art, turning adversity into a fierce creative force. Each of my works is a testament to the battles I have endured and the victories I have won, a roar against those who have tried to crush my spirit.



4. Tell us about your best experience in the art world so far.

My best experience in the art world was an exhibition in the heart of New York City, surrounded by towering skyscrapers and the pulse of the city that never sleeps. The opening night was filled with energy; people from all walks of life came to see my work. It was one of my first exhibitions where I won my very first award.  In that moment, I realised the true power of art - to touch lives, inspire and connect people across the vast, far reaches of the human experience. That night, amidst the stone and steel of the urban jungle, I felt the beating of the creative spirit that connects us all.

Of course, there have been other exhibitions - in Beijing, in London, in the Arab Emirates. But that evening in New York will forever remain in my heart as the moment when art and I became inseparable. Each subsequent exhibition was unique and important, but that first award and recognition opened up a whole new horizon for me. It was the catalyst for many new creative projects, exchanges and collaborations.


5. Is the artist life lonely? Please share your thoughts and experiences.

Being an artist often means embracing solitude, as creativity demands time alone to reflect and work on one's craft. But this solitude is not synonymous with loneliness. I find that the moments spent alone with my thoughts and visions are deeply fulfilling and necessary for my artistic process. The quiet hours of creation are when I connect most intimately with my inner self and the world around me.

However, there are times when the isolation can be challenging. The desire to share my creative journey with others, to find camaraderie and mutual understanding, is strong. That's why engaging with fellow artists and art enthusiasts is so rewarding. It bridges the gap between solitary creation and shared experience. Art is a language that connects us all, turning moments of loneliness into a shared celebration of the human spirit.


6. What are you working on at the moment and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?

As a member of the Abandoned Artists Society, I am currently immersed in a project that explores the intersection of digital and physical realities. It's an installation that combines information art with traditional art to create an interactive experience for viewers. The aim is to challenge perceptions of space and reality, inviting viewers to become part of the artwork. Presumably the work will be ready by next summer and will be shown for the first time at the Edinburgh Fair.

As for upcoming events, I am excited to announce several exhibitions in collaboration with ArtBoxy in various galleries. I will also be showing new work at BOOMER Gallery in the heart of London this October. You can find out more by visiting Instagram or the website.


bottom of page