Self-described as both student and teacher, the work of the artist has masterfully emerged from beyond the constraints of both. Ingeniously blending the romantic aesthetic beauty of Art Nouveau with the dark concepts of Gothic art, painter Matt Hughes is best known for giving rise to Gothic Art Nouveau, a new art movement that's redefining the relationship between viewer and subject, entwining both into an intimate rendezvous, sharing dark and ethereal realms immersed in religion and mythology, death and spirituality, human nature and inherent evil, ultimately leaving the viewer with a profundity of self-reflection and introspection.
While the majority of Matt's influences include Art Nouveau artists Alphonse Mucha and Gustav Klimt, the influences of artists such as Herbert Draper, Gustave Dore, John Singer Sargent as well as Maxfield Parrish, one of the renowned illustrators from the "golden age of Illustration", are equally apparent. Introspectively drawing his own inspiration from self reflection, personal experience, and an inept talent for what he refers to as "visual method acting", Matt has instinctively merged conceptual twists on conventional artistic themes with spiritual and philosophical concepts to interpret the most fundamental of human emotion and action into his visions, resulting in a strange and remarkable melange, now known as Gothic Art Nouveau.
statement
Through my paintings I attempt to create an inherent language of emotion, truth, lies, and common experiences that will inevitably lead the viewer to personal reflection and a better understanding of self. I utilize this language as a means to elucidate my demons forcing me to come face to face with my own folly of self. The symbolic nature of the elements helps to weave a deeper understanding of cultural influences that are not only self-relevant but also viewer-relevant. When I become deeply affected by the tragedies of others I engross myself in their world and their experiences. This "visual method acting" as I have come to refer to it allows me to convey a small portion of their tragedy, sorrow, or experience to my audience in a way that is both confrontational and evocative. My voice is unique and through my work I intended to shout my thoughts and whisper my demons away.
biography
Originally from Michigan, but raised in South Carolina, Matt graduated with a BFA from Winthrop University in 1996. From there, Matt has evolved his painting style, refining his craft to become internationally recognized as one of the most respected and sought-after artists today. At Dragon*Con 2007, one of the largest annual Science Fiction and Fantasy conventions in the world with over 35,000 attendees, Matt was awarded "Best In Show" for his piece "Becoming". When presenting Matt the award, celebrated artist Todd Lockwood stated it was difficult to choose the winner, but there was one piece he wished he had painted. "[It] turned my head the hardest and gave me a sore spot in my neck when I saw it."Matt's works have been shown in galleries throughout the world, and featured in numerous publications, such as Art Scene International, Dark Realms Magazine, Realms of Fantasy Magazine, Magical Blend Magazine, White Wolf Publishing, Heavy Metal Magazine, Mystique Magazine, and Wizard Magazine. In addition, several collaborative publications have showcased his work, including Spectrum, Masters of Fantasy, How to Draw and Paint Fairies, Anatomy for Fantasy Artists and Creative Minds. In 2004, Matt's illustration, "Boudicca", appeared on the cover of a greeting card set given to the Lord of the Rings cast and crew at an After Oscar Party, and in that same year, he was honored as a Gallery Winner in the Society of Illustrators, LA art competition.
Matt's first book, "Metamorphosis - The Art of Matt Hughes", published in 2005 by MG Publishing/SQP, sold over 23,000 copies internationally. He soon followed in 2008 by publishing his second collective works, "Ethereal Visions - The Art of Matt Hughes".
Matt currently resides in Atlanta, GA with his wife and muse.