Mathieu Makhlouf
Mathieu Maklhouf is a painter based in Ghadir, Lebanon. His paintings weave experiences of the outside world into gestural and dreamlike compositions, integrating figural forms into abstracted and painterly space. Childhood memories, faces, and interactions all play a role in influencing his work. Here Mathieu describes more about his work and process.
How did your creative journey begin?
I started learning how to draw and paint when I was 6. Till 18, attending courses was my only way to improve. After that, something new happened: I had to stop taking art classes and I found myself confronting art alone. I had no one to tell me what to do, if it was good or bad. I had to find what my true artistic goals were from within. And then, the new adventure began.
What inspires your work?
People. Faces. Words. Absurdity. My work is mostly inspired by values, ethics and utopias. I like it when artworks tell undefined stories about our society. I strongly relate to both sides: the nonsense and the meaning of everything. I like contrast. Sometimes in a visual approach; but mostly in the subject itself. I know that I am influenced by societies’ flaws. And I know that my art involves nothing but freedom. All that aside, I can be inspired very randomly on a daily basis. A song, some words, a post on social media, a moment where I’m stepping back a little and thinking… I genuinely like how random and absurd my inspiration can get.
Can you describe your process?
Hard question. Sometimes, I sketch before starting a big painting. But when I stand face to the canvas, I might use the sketch, or improvise. Even if I was to plan some of my works, there is always a spontaneous approach that takes place in the process. Besides, I have to mention that my art does not stop on the realization of a work; it’s a full-time action that involve all of my thinking, all of my ideas. Often, I daydream visions that inspire me to create a whole new collection.
How has your work evolved over time?
I chase my own dimension. A world where all of what I’ve already listed comes from and goes back to. And I believe that the more I’m getting into this reality, the more my art is evolving towards it. What I mean is that today, my work is linked to my full story, an interrelation between what I know, feel, suppose, suspect and choose. So whenever my reflections evolve, my art does too.
What does a typical creative day look like for you?
If I had to describe a creative day, I can’t but mention the presence of free time (or freed time), songs I like and some coffee. I have a small studio where I work, so I spend time there to paint, watch old artworks, or just think and sketch. I like to do research about art domains, opportunities, artists, or even random topics such as philosophy, biology, history…So in a typical creative day, I am filled by new ideas and emotions, and I spend some time creating art.
Do you have any words of wisdom for other artists and creatives?
Have fun. A lot of fun. And if life doesn’t let you, be stronger than life.
