Paul Mathieu, a renowned Belgian artist based in Portugal since 1979, has stood out in the contemporary art scene for his innovative and emotional approach to abstract painting. Born in Brussels in 1953, Mathieu is self-taught and was significantly influenced by the literary work of Prof. Rocha de Sousa, which shaped his unique and intuitive style. Over his more than four-decade career, he held more than 40 solo exhibitions and participated in numerous group shows, receiving several awards and gaining a loyal and growing audience. His works are present in several public and private collections, as well as in national museums, which attests to his prestige and importance in the world of art. This article explores the distinctive characteristics of his works, their influence on contemporary art and the reasons why Paul Mathieu a valuable investment for collectors and art lovers.
What is the artistic path of Paul Mathieu?
Paul Mathieu, a Belgian visual artist born in Brussels in 1953, is self-taught and was significantly influenced by the literary work of Prof. Rocha de Sousa. Based in Portugal since 1979, Mathieu has developed a notable career in the field of fine arts, gaining recognition in both solo and group exhibitions, and receiving several awards throughout his career.
Paul Mathieu He held more than 40 solo exhibitions. Some of the most prominent include: Annual Meeting of Artists and Antique Dealers at the Place du Sablon in Brussels in 1978, the Temporary Exhibition Gallery at the Sintra Regional Museum, Europa Club Overeise in Brussels and the Palácio dos Coruchéus in Lisbon in 1987, the National Society of Fine Arts in Lisbon in 1988, the Alliance Française in Lisbon and Galeria Escada 4 in Cascais in 1994, Expo'98 at the Belgian Pavilion in Lisbon in 1998, Galeria Pirâmide in Lisbon, Galeria Municipal Artur Bual at Amadora and Galeria Qtª. Stº António in Aveiro in 1999, the Water Museum and the 7º Passeio ao Parque Gallery in Lisbon in 2000, the Lapa Gallery in Lisbon and the Galerie Artitude in Paris in 2001, the Galeria da Ordem dos Médicos in Lisbon in 2007, the anthological “30 years of painting” at Mãe de Água das Amoreiras in Lisbon in 2008, Galeria CNAP in Lisbon in 2010 and 2012, and Galeria Paula Cabral in Lisbon in 2011.
Mathieu also participated in several group exhibitions, including: “Les Bateaux de Pêche vus par…” at Galerie Alfican in Brussels in 1989, Art Portugal at the Abbaye de Forest in Brussels and “Projecto Criete” at the Centro Cultural de Belém in Lisbon in 1991, Galeria S. Bento in Lisbon in 1994, the Champanhe Raposeira Centenary at the Centro Cultural de Belém in Lisbon in 1998, the 6th Festival of Foreign Communities at Espaço Oikos in Lisbon and “Um Retrato para Fernando Pessoa” at Espaço Mar Português in Lisbon and itinerant in 1999, “The Art and the Imagination of Europe” at the Water Museum in Lisbon in 2000, the Vespeira Prize at the VII Bienal de Artes Plásticas in Montijo in 2002, the VI Bienal dos Lions at the Oficina da Cultura in Almada in 2004, the Vespeira Prize at the VIII Bienal de Artes Plásticas in Montijo in 2005 and Tapices de Portalegre at the Fundación Carlos de Amberes in Madrid in 2006.
Paul Mathieu He was recognized with several awards throughout his career, including: “Work of Merit” at the 1st International Art Fair, Port'Arte 91 in Portimão in 1991, “Honorable Mention” at the 1st Cardoso Lopes Biennial in Amadora in 1996, Medal of Silver in the 6th Biennial of the Artistic Label of Diário de Notícias (Centenary of Champagne Raposeira) in 1998, Vespeira Prize at the VII Biennial of Plastic Arts in Montijo in 2002, Vespeira Prize at the VIII Biennial of Plastic Arts in Montijo in 2004, and 7th Amadeo Prize Souza Cardoso in 2009.
What are the characteristics of works by Paul Mathieu?
Evocative Abstraction: Mathieu is known for his abstract compositions that evoke emotions and atmosphere, often using shapes and colors to create an intense visual impact.
Dynamism and Movement: His paintings often explore movement and dynamics, with lines and shapes that appear to vibrate and shift, creating a feeling of energy and fluidity.
Expressive Use of Color: Mathieu uses colors in an expressive and bold way, creating contrasts and harmonies that add depth and complexity to his works.
Intuition and Spontaneity: Intuition plays a crucial role in your creative process. Mathieu often works spontaneously, allowing shapes and colors to develop organically.
Exploration of Light and Shadow: He is also known for his exploration of light and shadow, using these techniques to create depth and texture in his paintings.
Kinetic Elements: Some of his works incorporate kinetic elements, giving the impression of movement and change, and challenging the viewer's perception.
Atmospheric Themes: Mathieu frequently addresses atmospheric themes in his works, exploring the impact of climatic and environmental conditions on the landscapes and abstract figures he creates.
Interdisciplinarity: In addition to painting, Mathieu explored other artistic mediums, including tapestries, which demonstrates his versatility and willingness to experiment with different forms of artistic expression.
What is the influence of Paul Mathieu in contemporary art?
Innovation in Abstraction: Mathieu brought a new perspective to abstract painting, using shapes and colors expressively to create compositions that evoke emotions and atmospheres. His dynamic and intuitive style influenced other artists to explore abstraction in freer and more emotional ways.
Multidisciplinary Exploration: By integrating different artistic mediums, such as tapestries, he demonstrated the importance of interdisciplinarity in contemporary art. His ability to transition between painting and other forms of art inspired other artists to expand their own creative boundaries.
Incorporation of Kinetic Elements: Mathieu often incorporates elements that suggest movement and dynamism into his works, challenging the traditional perception of static art and encouraging a more active interaction by the viewer with the artwork.
Expression of Intuition and Spontaneity: His emphasis on intuition and spontaneity as part of the creative process influenced many artists to value these qualities in their own work, promoting more authentic and personal art.
Expressive Use of Color: Mathieu's bold and expressive use of color influenced a generation of artists to explore the emotional and symbolic possibilities of color in their own creations.
Contribution to the Portuguese Art Scene: Established in Portugal since 1979, Mathieu has become an influential figure on the Portuguese art scene, participating in numerous exhibitions and events that have helped to boost and enrich contemporary art in the country.
Engagement with the Public and Critics: Throughout his career, Mathieu gained a loyal audience and the recognition of several art critics. His constant presence at exhibitions and events has helped to raise the profile of contemporary art in Portugal and engage a wider audience.
Educational Legacy: Through his works and interventions in the media, Mathieu also played an educational role, influencing the general public's perception and appreciation of contemporary art.
Why should I invest in construction works? Paul Mathieu?
Innovative Approach: Paul Mathieu He is known for his innovative and emotional approach to abstract painting, which makes his works stand out for their originality and depth.
Versatility: Mathieu explores diverse media and techniques, including tapestries and kinetic elements, offering a rich and interesting variety of works.
Recognition and Prestige:
Exhibitions and Awards: Mathieu has held more than 40 solo exhibitions and participated in numerous group exhibitions. He also received several awards, such as the “Work of Merit” and the Silver Medal at the Diário de Notícias Artistic Label Biennial, standing out in the artistic scene.
Positive Review: His work has been widely praised by art critics such as Eurico Gonçalves and Margarida Botelho, which increases her credibility and prestige.
Presence in Collections and Museums:
Public and Private Collections: His works are present in several prestigious collections, including banks, insurance companies and foundations, as well as national museums such as the Lisbon City Museum and the Sintra Regional Museum.
Portalegre Tapestry Manufacture: Having tapestries made by this renowned manufacture adds even more value to your works.
Appreciation Potential:
Established Career: With decades of activity and continuous recognition, Mathieu's works have significant potential for appreciation over time.
Growing Demand: A loyal and appreciative public, in addition to increasing your popularity, can boost the demand for your works, contributing to their appreciation in the art market.
Influence on Contemporary Art: Mathieu influenced contemporary art, especially in Portugal, with his exploration of abstraction, intuition and expressive use of color. Investing in his works is also investing in an important piece of the history of contemporary art.
Lasting Legacy: His contributions to art and culture make his works not only objects of aesthetic appreciation, but also important historical records.
Technique Interventions: Participation in television programs and other interventions in the technique increase the visibility of Mathieu and his works, expanding his reach and public recognition.
