When we talk about frescoes, we immediately think of royal palaces and luxurious period homes and while fresco painting is less mainstream today, various artists have looked back to the ancient technique with contemporary eyes. This time honoured practice has gained increasing popularity in recent years with its modern day equivalent : mural paintings.

Already fully engaged in this practice is artist Victor Matthews, who is no stranger to this medium. Having started his career in New York in the 1980s amidst a Soho brimming with creativity, street art and murals – Matthews was an intricate part of this scene. Over the last 40 years Matthews has evolved his practice and is a well established and collectable artist with an impressive curriculum to boast of and has actively been creating custom wall murals for clients again for over the past six years.

For Matthews, the murals look back to his artistic roots – now refined with his elegant signature palette and shapes and motifs. There is a creativity and freedom to creating a mural, of which Matthews is a master. His skill and the beauty of his work has become in great demand for what many call the modern fresco.

Mural painting is an immersive experience transforming the selected space into another world where a scene, to be agreed, plays out. Perhaps palms climb the walls and arch up over the ceiling, high above the heads of those who sit below. Matthews begins by outlining the space for the potential piece and proposes sketches of motifs to be included.

This could be a selection of sea motifs to represent the spirit of an island location such as octopus and shoals of fish bringing the room or space to life or perhaps tropical vegetation and wildlife to fill the space where the mural will come alive. The beauty of the process is that it evolves as a result of the creative dialogue between the artist and collector to select the imagery that works best for the space and the mood and scene desired dictates how the piece unfolds.

For every project, Matthews’ imagination along with the brief come together to create something special – some- times using some color, or alternatively, using his signature beige and white palette to create a natural toned piece, resulting in elegant and beautiful murals. Furthermore, the creation of such pieces is also an immersive cultural ex- perience for the client and guests who participate in the creation of the work, by seeing it evolve daily. The vision comes to life and you step not only back in time but into a space that comes to life.

"My true love for nature, animals and the marine life that surrounds the island are included throughout my work. From the goats, to the turtles, from the fishes to the birds and to the palm trees, the mountains and so much more - all of which influence me during the creation of my mural paintings.” - Victor Matthews
 

A visitor of the island for over 30 years, the light, energy and the island’s vibrant vegetation has become a mecca for the artist – calling him back year after year. Informing his work and entering into his imagination, the islands rolling hills and folding roads have made a map in his mind of his memories and experiences. With his Utopia series, Matthews pays homage to the spirit of St Barth and the creative debt that he owes to the island. Matthews’ singularly meditative and enticing representations of the island’s landscapes, flora and fauna celebrate St Barth as both subject and muse. 

“Somewhere there's an inner feeling of serenity and peace among all living things.. From humans to insects to mammals to earth. The connection is there all around us.” (VM)

Victor Matthews (American, b.1963) is best known for his urban abstractions marked by white geometric motifs. Matthews has exhibited at The Guggenheim Museum, Sculpture Center, and both the 48th and 55th iterations of La Biennale di Venezia. In 2017, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) acquired a major painting by Matthews for its permanent collection. He is represented by Space Gallery St Barth, located in the Carré D’Or, Gustavia.

These mural paintings are a daily source of pleasure and inspire creativity and wonder. As such, they are a powerful tool for making spaces more vibrant, engaging, and meaning- ful places to live. Keep your eyes open - you may spot one or two as you drive around the island!

For information about creating your own custom mural contact: natalie@spacestbarth.com