Today, we would like to highlight and introduce, new to the portfolio, Ukrainian born, now London-based artist and illustrator, Kate Matsevych.
The thing that captivates and inspires Matsevych in her art is the essence of femininity. In her paintings and illustrations, she celebrates the beauty and strength of feminine forms. For her series titled Sophistication, she consciously choses a reduced yet thoroughly multifaceted formal vocabulary that recalls the paper cutouts of Henri Matisse and the cubistically deconstructed bodies of Picasso and Braque.
Learn more reading our Q&A with Kate Matsevych below, and for questions about any of the new works, please call or email the gallery.
"Growing up, I was surrounded by my mom, grandma, aunt, and godmother. Seeing these strong and talented women, who had faced life's challenges, made me appreciate the beauty and strength in women, both inside and out."
Q. Upon first impression, your works depict a celebration of beauty and strength in feminine forms. Can you tell us a little about how you started your art practice and what drew you to your painting style?
A. I've always loved drawing women. As a child, I dreamed of being a fashion designer, so I spent a lot of time sketching women in fashionable outfits. I grew up mainly around women because my parents were divorced, and I didn't see my father much. I was surrounded by my mom, grandma, aunt, and godmother. Seeing these strong and talented women, who had faced life's challenges, made me appreciate the beauty and strength in women, both inside and out.
Regarding my artistic style, it’s a journey that has unfolded naturally over time. I continually modify it, depending on my inner state and mood. I appreciate minimalism, yet I also love details. It’s as if two opposites compete within me, and I strive to find the optimal balance.
Hide and Seek
Duo
Q. We’re excited to present your series with us, Sophistication! Can you share the inspiration/story behind it.
A. As always, my inspiration comes from women and their forms, which are the primary subjects of my paintings. However, several aspects and emotions converged in this series. I'm from Ukraine, and some of these works were created during the early stages of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. At that time, I felt that art no longer mattered, especially the act of painting feminine figures.
Being in a constant state of stress and turmoil, painting gave me comfort. I preferred neutral shades, such as beige, that were soothing to the eye and complemented interior spaces. Over time, my emotional state improved, and I felt the desire to introduce vibrant colors into my work to lift my own spirits and those around me.
White Pearl
I'm Not Looking
Q. In the series, most works are faceless except for “I’m not looking” and “Hide and Seek,” where the female figures are seen covering her face except for her eyes. Can you share some insight on why that is?
A. In the paintings without faces, I aimed for minimalism with the fewest details possible, but you can still understand what's depicted. I found immense pleasure in the simplicity of the paintings—the simplicity of lines and colours.
Later on, I wanted to add more details, so I began to include eyes. I like the composition of hands covering the faces, but I think, on a subconscious level, it might describe my state of mind at times. There's a desire to fully express myself and show my potential, but sometimes fear holds you back, and it's like you're hiding in a shell.
Q. Do you have a creative ritual before you start painting? What’s your process like?
A. I always start with sketches, drawing many of them and choosing the ones that resonate with me the most. When I'm working on my paintings, I sometimes prefer to begin in the morning and continue late into the night. I've noticed that my productivity is often better during the evening. Sometimes, I play music in the background, but mostly, humorous shows or stand-up comedy are on in the background. It helps me relax and lighten the mood :)
Body Curves
Q. If you could have coffee with your all-time favorite artist, who would it be?
That's quite a challenging question because I'd love to have coffee with many artists, both living and past. Recently, I visited Kew Gardens and was mesmerized by the water lilies; I immediately felt inspired to paint them. So, perhaps I would love to meet with Monet. We might go for a walk in Kew Gardens together, or I could visit his beloved place in Étretat. We'd sit by the cliffs overlooking the sea, discussing various topics while enjoying those breathtaking views.
Q. Anything special that you’re currently working on, and we should be on the lookout for?
I've had quite a busy autumn so far. I created a series of paintings for the Fresh Art Fair, which took place in September, in Ascot, UK. I also presented a series of nude paintings for the London Affordable Art Fair in October, as well as at a group show called 'The Art of Belonging.'.
However, what I'm most excited about is my residency at Bankside Hotel in London, represented by Degree Art and Contemporary Collective, which started October 2nd. The residency will run until January 12th, with a personal exhibition on January 11th. Plus, I'm eager to experiment with clay or plaster, so there will definitely be something new in the works.
