Matta Chaosmos 1970 © ADAGP, Paris and DACS, London 2023

Biography

Born 1911
Died 2002
Nationality Chilean
Birth place Santiago
Death place Civitavecchia

Born in Chile, Matta studied as an architect before moving to Paris in the 1930s, where he worked in Le Corbusier's studio. In Paris he was introduced to the Surrealists and began to produce surrealist paintings from 1937. His characteristic works depict strange, seemingly limitless worlds featuring organically-shaped forms. On moving to New York in 1939, Matta's work influenced American artists, such as Jackson Pollock. On returning to Europe in 1948, Matta broke away from the surrealist group, although his work continued to be influenced by Surrealism.