MUNTHE ART MONDAY: EWA MATYJA

Please introduce yourself and tell us about what you do.

I'm Ewa Matyja, a self-taught artist born in 1985. I thrive on pushing the boundaries of creativity, expressing life's emotions through abstract visualizations. Art, for me, is a continuous journey of self-discovery, celebrating imperfections through experimentation.

I draw inspiration from the diverse facets of life - nature, architecture, people, culture, and the emotions they evoke. By blending traditional materials with local art supplies and natural elements, I create textured, three-dimensional pieces that capture the essence of my surroundings.

My creative process is dynamic, involving multiple simultaneous creations that foster a dialogue. I push my limits, with no room for correction, as every brushstroke is a deliberate step towards crafting something truly remarkable.

Could you explain more about how being a woman has affected your career?

Being a woman in the art world has had its interesting twists for me. My art has a somewhat "masculine" style, which is my unique way of expressing myself. But what truly matters is that art knows no gender boundaries. It's all about conveying emotions, and I've always believed in breaking free from conventions and rules. Instead, I create art intuitively, following my inner creative voice. It's the depth of emotions in your work that truly resonates with people and makes an impact. In the end, I'm here to show that art is about authenticity and emotion, not about fitting into predefined gender roles.

Ewa is wearing AILAV PANTS and ELAYS BLAZER

What has been the most challenging aspect of being a female artist?

The most challenging aspect of being a female artist, as experienced by me, has been the journey to break free from the gender-related expectations and stereotypes that persist in the art world. This challenge becomes particularly pronounced because my artistic style often gravitates toward what has traditionally been labeled as more "masculine" in nature.

Furthermore, sharing my artistic process in today's world necessitates a heightened awareness of how I present myself. In our current society, it often feels like women are continually under scrutiny, with a constant potential for being judged or sexualized. This reality adds an extra layer of complexity to my role as an artist. I must not only navigate the creative aspects of my work but also carefully consider the way I communicate and present myself, ensuring that my art remains the central focus and isn't overshadowed by external gender-related judgments and biases.

Can you name some other female (artist) that inspires you and explain why they do so?

Tracey Emin is an inspiration to me for her fearless exploration of identity and her willingness to challenge societal norms through her art. Her ability to use her work as a medium for self-expression and as a tool for advocating social change resonates deeply with my own desire to break free from conventions and express myself authentically.

Georgia O'Keeffe, with her remarkable ability to capture the essence of nature and the world around her, inspires me to find beauty in simplicity and to seek inspiration in the everyday. Her work reminds me that the world is a canvas waiting to be explored, and it encourages me to translate the beauty I see into my own artistic creations.

In the modern world, Jenny Brosinski stands out as an inspiration because of her contemporary approach to art. Her use of bold colors and abstract forms to convey complex emotions is both refreshing and thought-provoking. She reminds me that art is a dynamic and ever-evolving medium, and that there are endless possibilities for artistic expression in the modern age. Her work encourages me to experiment with new techniques and styles in my own artistry.

What would you like people to notice in your artwork?

What I hope people notice most in my artwork is the deeply intuitive approach I bring to each piece. My art is my way of sharing emotions and feelings that are often difficult to put into words. It's like my personal diary, a canvas where I started writing in my own unique way after breaking free from the "rat race" to follow my passion.

The most significant reward for me as an artist is when viewers can not only see but also feel the emotions that inspired each piece. If my art resonates with them on that level, if it sparks a connection and stirs their own emotions, then I've achieved something truly meaningful. Ultimately, I want my art to be a medium through which we can explore and express those complex, often unspoken, facets of the human experience together.

Ewa is wearing ARUM PANTS