Matti Pietari Järvinen

Biography

 

Matti Pietari Järvinen (b. 1984) is a visual artist who works not only in painting and sculpture but also in performance and animation art. In addition to traditional canvases Järvinen's painting practice, in line with his artistic philosophy, extends to where people themselves are — for example, on the surfaces of cars, clothing and musical instruments.

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Järvinen’s art has been exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions not only in Finland but also elsewhere in Europe and the United States, including at New York Fashion Week 2022. His works are part of private collections around the Globe as well as the collection of the Kouvola Art Museum.

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Artist Statement

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"My works are simple depictions of the complexity of the human mind — explorations of pain and love. The foundation of my art lies in difference and the mysteries of the mind. I create characters beneath whose surface hides something familiar and something unknown.

 

In my pieces, I combine elements of contemporary folk art and street art into raw, color-saturated, and intense visions. I use strong colors and contrasts that make my works scream to be hated and/or loved.

 

I draw inspiration from, among other things, African and South American art as well as the art brut movement. I work spontaneously and leave room for curiosity, which may lead me off familiar paths. I feel at my best in the creative process when I’m in a strong emotional state — a raw version of myself.

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The world needs more color. Let the rest remain part of the mystery in your mind."