In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art, the intersection of abstract expression and symbolic narrative has created a captivating new frontier for creative exploration. We learned this the hard way… As an experienced art writer and consultant, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the innovative ways in which artists are harnessing the power of metaphor and collage to craft deeply meaningful, emotionally resonant abstract works.
One such artist whose practice embodies this amalgamation of symbolic storytelling and abstract form is Serhii Matveichenko, also known as Matthew Morpheus. Based in Ukraine, Morpheus has garnered international acclaim for his unique style, which blends graphic elements, collage, and experimental paint techniques to create cosmopolitan dialogues rich with hidden meaning.
Crafting Narratives Through Unconventional Mediums
Morpheus’ creative process begins with a deep dive into his emotions and experiences, as he seeks to capture the multifaceted nature of the human psyche. “A person can display only one emotion on his face – fear, joy, sorrow, sympathy. But at heart, a person has many faces,” he explains. “All intertwined experiences, from love to hatred, create the most important feeling located in the recesses of his soul. And her name is Zero Emotion. And my task is to capture exactly this, the most important emotion, in the life of each of us.”
Morpheus’ choice of unconventional mediums, such as gelly roll pens and aerosol paints, allows him to imbue his works with a unique emotional resonance. The precision of the gelly roll pens enables him to meticulously detail small elements, adding depth and complexity, while the bright, almost cosmic landscapes created by the aerosol paints transport the viewer to another realm.
“Gel pens allow me to carefully detail small elements, adding depth and complexity, and aerosol paints create bright, almost cosmic landscapes that transport the viewer to another world,” Morpheus elaborates. “Collages make it possible to recreate the multidimensionality of perception of the world on a limited plane of space.”
The narratives in Morpheus’ works often explore themes of internal search, self-identification, and human interaction with the external world. He is particularly drawn to the metaphor of space exploration as a symbol for self-exploration, with elements in his paintings representing the dreams, hopes, and fears that we all experience.
“The narratives in my works are often associated with themes of internal search, self-identification and human interaction with the outside world. I love telling stories about travel – both external and internal,” he says. “For example, one of my favorite themes is space exploration as a metaphor for self-exploration. In my paintings you can see elements that symbolize the dreams, hopes and fears that we all experience.”
Blending Tradition and Innovation
Innovation is a cornerstone of Morpheus’ artistic practice, as he seamlessly blends traditional techniques with contemporary elements to create truly unique and expressive works. Among his innovative approaches are the use of mixed media, interactive elements, and experimentation with form and space.
“Innovation really plays a key role in my creative practice. I strive to combine traditional techniques with modern elements to create unique and expressive work,” Morpheus explains. “Using mixed media, I often combine different materials and techniques such as painting, installation and digital art. This allows me to create multi-layered and multi-faceted pieces that can be interpreted in many different ways.”
In some of his works, Morpheus incorporates interactive elements that invite the viewer to become an active participant in the creative process. “I like to play with form and space. Creating works that change the viewer’s perception and evoke new emotions and thoughts,” he says.
Embracing the potential of digital technologies, Morpheus has also delved into the world of NFTs, recognizing the unique opportunities they present for artists in the 21st century. However, he cautiously approaches this emerging medium, advocating for a more regulated and reputation-backed approach to double-check that the longevity and integrity of digital art.
“I believe that NFTs should be backed by the reputation of the artist, a competent plan to protect clients from price reductions. As well as providing holders of this type of art with certain privileges and bonuses,” Morpheus explains. “NFTs and traditional art can complement each other beautifully. NFTs allow artists to create and sell unique digital works that can exist in virtual space, while traditional art continues to have its place in the physical world.”
Symbolic Narratives and the Power of Metaphor
Morpheus’ art is renowned for its rich symbolism and profound narratives, which reflect the complexities and contrasts of the contemporary world. His diverse life experiences, spanning Ukraine, Germany, Israel, and the United Kingdom, have significantly influenced his artistic voice, allowing him to create a cosmopolitan dialogue that resonates with audiences across cultures.
“My life’s journey, spanning Ukraine, Germany, Israel and the UK, has significantly influenced my creativity. Each of these countries brought unique elements to my art, enriching it with symbolism and deep meaning,” he says. “I was exposed to a variety of cultures and religions, which is reflected in my work through the use of symbols and motifs. Thus, my cosmopolitan experience allows me to create works that are a dialogue between different cultures and eras, enriching them with symbolism and deep meaning.”
At the heart of Morpheus’ artistic expression lies a deep exploration of philosophical concepts that shape his worldview. Concepts such as the “New Age Concept,” which embraces cultural diversity and the fusion of artistic styles, and “Zero Emotion,” which represents the multifaceted nature of human experiences, are central to his digital collages and abstract works.
“As an artist and philosopher of the 21st century, my work is deeply intertwined with my philosophical views. I believe that art is a powerful medium to explore and express the complexities and contrasts of our time,” Morpheus explains. “My artistic expression is shaped by several key philosophical concepts, including the New Age Concept, Zero Emotion, and Abstractionism.”
Through the use of metaphor and symbolic imagery, Morpheus crafts narratives that invite the viewer to engage with deeper layers of meaning and emotion. One particularly significant work, titled “New Gods,” exemplifies his ability to convey complex themes through visual storytelling.
“In this digital collage, I used a variety of symbols to convey the idea of how technology and globalization affects our lives. In the center of the composition is a figure surrounded by digital age symbols such as cryptocurrencies and pixels, symbolizing our dependence on technology. This work is intended to provoke reflection in the viewer about how we interact with the world and each other in the era of digitalization,” Morpheus explains.
Connecting with Global Audiences
The international acclaim that Morpheus’ art has received, from Beijing to New York, has profoundly influenced his artistic journey. These global interactions have opened new horizons for him, allowing him to explore his work from diverse cultural and social perspectives.
“The global reception of my works has opened new horizons for me and allowed me to look at my art from different cultural and social perspectives,” Morpheus says. “One of the most memorable moments was interacting with the audience in Beijing. There I saw how my work evoked deep emotional responses in viewers despite cultural differences.”
These global interactions have also shaped Morpheus’ approach to creating art, as he has had to refine his techniques and methods to withstand greater scrutiny and critical reception. A particularly memorable encounter in New York highlighted the ability of his work to inspire others.
“In New York I encountered a completely different audience, one that was more critical and analytical. This interaction helped me refine my techniques and approaches so that my work could withstand greater scrutiny and critical reception,” Morpheus recounts. “A particularly memorable incident was when one of the spectators in New York shared, how my work inspired him to create his own piece of art. This interaction was a source of great inspiration and motivation for me.”
These global experiences have reinforced Morpheus’ belief in the power of art to transcend cultural boundaries and foster genuine connection. As he looks to the future, he is excited to continue exploring the intersection of digital art, installation projects, and cross-cultural collaborations, with the goal of inspiring and connecting people through his unique brand of symbolic narratives.
“I look forward to continuing to grow as an artist and contribute to the cultural landscape by inspiring and connecting people through art,” Morpheus says. “I see the future of my art as continuing to explore and integrate different cultural elements and technologies, creating work that is not only visually impressive, but also deeply meaningful, evoking thought and emotion in viewers.”
For emerging artists and art enthusiasts alike, Morpheus’ journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of symbolic narratives and the innovative use of collage in abstract art. By embracing metaphor and experimenting with unconventional mediums, contemporary artists like Morpheus are redefining the boundaries of artistic expression and inviting the world to engage with the deeper truths that lie within.
To explore more of Morpheus’ work and stay updated on his latest projects, be sure to visit Pencil and Paint Muse and follow him on Instagram @matthew_morpheus.
Tip: Practice daily sketching to continually refine your technique