Can you tell us about your journey as an artist? What inspired you to pursue art as a medium of expression?

My journey as an artist began at an early age when I discovered a passion for drawing and creating. I've always felt a deep connection to the visual world and strived to express my thoughts and feelings through art. My first graphic works were simple experiments with monochrome colour and shape, but gradually they became more complex and full of meaning.

One of the key moments in my journey was discovering the power of art as a means of self-expression and communication. I realised that through art I could communicate my emotions, ideas and experiences, sharing them with the world. This realisation inspired me to explore and experiment further and I began to explore different techniques and approaches. This is how abstract paintings using aerosol paints with phosphorus were born. 

Over time, my art became more socially relevant, allowing me to express inner states and complex multi-layered concepts that are difficult to convey through abstract imagery. I found in digital collage a different freedom and an opportunity to explore new forms of expression beyond traditional canons.

I'm intrigued to understand your artistic persona more deeply, "Matthew Morpheus is not merely my name; it is my manifesto." Can you share what core principles or philosophies underpin your artistic identity and how they manifest in your creations?

My art is an exquisite labyrinth of symbols, images and ideas, requiring the viewer to actively create and dive deeply into the multifaceted world of the human soul. The human face is capable of expressing only a single emotion, but in the depths of the soul, there is a whole spectrum of feelings intertwined in a complex pattern. It is this intimate, multi-faceted state that I call “Zero Emotion”. 

My work is not just a reflection of the visible world, but the creation of a new reality where the familiar takes on unexpected meanings. Each work is a manifesto expressing my unique vision of the world, mysterious and mysterious, like the realm of Morpheus. I sincerely hope that my works will encourage the viewer to think about their place in this world, about its past, present and future. Each painting reveals new facets, inviting multiple interpretations.

Your bio mentions that your early works were an "explosion of emotions." How do you balance your art's powerful personal emotion realm with broader societal themes?

My creative endeavours are a continuous search for new forms of expression, where personal emotions encapsulated in abstract images are harmoniously intertwined with current social themes embodied in installations and digital collages. 

Experimenting with different materials, I strive not just to create a visual image, but to engage the viewer in a multifaceted sensory experience, where visual perception is complemented by sound and tactile sensations. 

My art is a constant movement between strict structure and creative improvisation, where every stroke, every sound is born out of a desire to open up new facets of perception and offer the viewer a unique view of the world.

Your technique of choice is abstraction, can you tell us how you define this technique in your work, and what does it allow you to express that representational art cannot?

In abstraction, each viewer sees what they wish to see. Abstraction is a way to break free from the constraints of realism and present the world through the lens of personal emotions and ideas. Abstract art allows me to use shapes, colours and textures not to convey precise images but to elicit an emotional response and interpretation from the viewer.

This method allows me to express inner feelings and concepts that are difficult to convey through realistic images. Abstraction creates a space for the viewer to search for their own meanings and interpret the artwork on an intuitive level. It also allows me to explore themes such as metaphysics, emotions and human relationships in a freer and more experimental way.

Unlike representational art, abstraction is not limited to specific forms and subjects. It allows me to play with visual elements and create unique compositions that can be perceived and felt in different ways. Through abstraction, I can convey complex and layered ideas that resonate with each viewer in a different way.

What can you tell us about the submitted artwork called “New world order”? Can you delve into the symbolism and emotional statement of this piece?

The artwork “New World Order” is a visual narrative of our rapidly changing world where technology, politics and economics are intertwined in a complex and contradictory pattern. I sought to convey the sense of anxiety and uncertainty that I believe each of us feels in an era of change. 

In this collage, each piece is a puzzle, reflecting the chaos and beauty of our time. Vivid symbols and grotesque images serve as amplifiers, emphasising the absurdity of some contemporary phenomena. The central figure is an allegory of an impersonal person swept away by the flow of events, while the surrounding elements are personifications of the forces that shape our reality.

You describe your work as a "cosmopolitan dialogue." Can you elaborate on how your art becomes a letter to the world?

My art draws inspiration from a variety of sources, from ancient myths and folklore to contemporary art movements, from the vibrant street art of my city to the serene landscapes of distant lands. I incorporate elements from different cultures, mixing them in unexpected ways.

This process of cultural exchange is at the heart of my work. It is about recognising the interconnectedness of our world and celebrating the diversity of human experience.

Each work of art becomes a kind of letter to the world, a message of hope, understanding and interconnectedness. It is an invitation to engage with different perspectives, to challenge our own assumptions, and to find common ground despite our differences.

I believe that art has the power to transcend language barriers and cultural boundaries. It can speak to the human spirit in ways that words alone cannot.  I hope that through my work I will contribute to a more just and equitable world where dialogue and mutual understanding prevail.

In your statement, you refer to your collages as a "path that leads to new freedoms." What does freedom mean to you in the context of your artistic practice?

As Goethe rightly said, “There is no slavery more hopeless than the slavery of those slaves who think themselves free from fetters”. Art for me is a constant struggle for this very true freedom. 

My collages are an attempt to break the shackles of the familiar, to create a space for boundless creativity, where imagination and truth rule. I strive for that freedom which allows me to express everything that does not find a place in this world of limitations and conventions.

Having lived in different countries, how have your experiences in Ukraine, Israel, and the UK shaped your artistic vision and the themes you explore in your work?

My artistic voice has been largely shaped by the diverse cultural landscapes I have encountered throughout my life. Growing up in Ukraine instilled in me a deep appreciation for the strength of the human spirit despite adversity and war.

Time spent in Israel introduced me to a complex and multifaceted society facing conflict and the struggle to exist as a people. The stark beauty of the desert landscape, ancient history and the constant tension between tradition and modernity have greatly influenced my work. 

My experience living in Germany has broadened my understanding of contemporary art and introduced me to a rich variety of artistic perspectives. And the emphasis on social commentary in the UK art scene resonated deeply with me. I am increasingly drawn to exploring social and political issues through my art.

In fact, each country has left an indelible mark on my artistic abilities. My work reflects the confluence of these diverse influences, a constant dialogue between personal experience and global realities. It is a journey of exploration, a continuous search for meaning and connection in a world that is constantly changing.

What is your biggest achievement as an artist? What would you advise artists to strive for?

My greatest achievement, I believe, is yet to come. Art is an endless journey, where every new step is a small victory. Of course, I am grateful to the audience and art critics for their warm words. Their recognition inspires me to move forward, to explore new facets of creativity and to search for unique means of expression. I believe that the most important thing for an artist is to keep the thirst for discovery and not be afraid to experiment.

My advice to young artists is to strive for sincerity and honesty in your art. Find your unique voice and style that reflects your personal experiences and thoughts. Don't be afraid to experiment and go beyond what you are used to, because it is through experimentation and finding new methods that you can find your way and express your individuality.

Art and artists play various roles in the fabric of contemporary society. What does being an artist mean to you?

For me, being an artist means being the voice of my generation. Art is the mirror of society, reflecting its joys and pains, its hopes and fears. I see my mission as raising important social issues, provoking debate and inspiring people to change. Art is a powerful tool that can bring people together and create a more just world.

What message or call to action would you like to share with our readers?

Man is a microcosm reflecting the infinity of the Universe. Art, like a mirror, allows us to see our inner depths, to recognise our essence. However, self-knowledge is only part of a larger task. By joining our efforts, we can create a world where the values of harmony and awareness are the foundation for building a new society in a time of change.

Find more about the artist here.

Cover image:

The First After God, 2017, Gelly roll pen on paper, 56.0х76.0 сm. Image courtesy of Matthew Morpheus.