We are thrilled to announce the opening of Kenyan artist Leo Mativo's first solo exhibition in New York City entitled BURIED BUTTERFLIES, a selection of nine immersive oil on canvas works. This exhibition will be on view from November 9th through December 23rd, 2023 at our Chelsea location on 26th Street.
BURIED BUTTERFLIES embodies a journey into the intricate dance between chaos and order, as experienced within the internal landscapes of our lives. Through these captivating pieces, Mativo masterfully explores a spectrum of emotional states, thoughts, and experiences pertinent to contemporary existence. He invites viewers into a realm of self-awareness and contemplation, fostering a connection with the very essence of being alive.
The artist's process is as intimate as the subjects he depicts. Using fingertips, brushes, and a variety of unconventional objects, Mativo delves into themes of recollection, change, and transformation. The layers and textures of oil paint serve as metaphors for the concealed realities buried within our physical being. These marks and impressions represent a myriad of thoughts and emotional sensations, lying dormant on the canvas, awaiting discovery.
Mativo's abstracted figures transcend their roles as subjects; they become portals into the contemplative depths of our souls. His work is a delicate balance of vitality and vulnerability, weaving layers of paint into a narrative that speaks to the multifaceted and complex nature of our existence.
"The title 'Buried Butterflies' reflects the profound symbolism interwoven through the human experience, thoughts, and emotions, and their intricate connection to our physical bodies," explains Mativo. Like the transformative journey of butterflies, our inner growth and emotional landscapes remain concealed, buried beneath the surface yet vibrant in their ever-changing chaos and order. "Through this exhibition, I invite viewers to explore the profound interplay between the ethereal and the corporeal, to reflect on the depth of the human experience, and to uncover the potential for personal transformation concealed beneath the surface."
ABOUT LEO MATIVO
Born in Nairobi County, Kenya, Leo Mativo lives and works in Syokimau, Machakos County. A self-taught artist, Mativo's work is a vivid exploration of self-image and mental health, delving into their impacts on various facets of life, including personal relationships and societal participation.
Mativo is a graduate of Creative Entrepreneurship from the GoDown Arts Centre, holds a background in Architecture from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, and has completed the CopyrightX course offered by Harvard Law School.
His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions throughout Kenya, including his solo exhibition "Mirror Mirror: Portraits of Being Alive" at Alliance Francaise, Nairobi, and notable group exhibitions at The National Museum of Nairobi, Gravitart, One Off Gallery, and Liminal Spaces.
"BURIED BUTTERFLIES" is open to the public from November 9th through December 23rd, 2023.
