WALLPLAY PRESENTS
MATHEUS GOULART : STYLE IS THE LIMIT
July 30-August 1
Gallery 151
STYLE IS THE LIMIT is a crash course on Matheus Goulart. Covering a multitude of styles and subjects, the artist and furniture designer is sharing several series that speak to his roots, his process, and his future, “as far as I can go in my own style; my style is the limit.”
Curated by Basic Brasil, the 3 day pop-up encapsulates the breadth of Matheus’ abilities, imagination, and originality. Color Code, Master$, Street Calligraphy and Caras e Cores are completely unique:
Master$ is an impressionist response to the works of Caravaggio. The series’ three pieces are connected both literally, when placed side by side, and figuratively by the history and influence of some of art’s masters — whom Matheus greatly appreciates and respects — Basquiat, Haring, and of course, Caravaggio. Included in this series as well are pieces that nod to other sources of inspiration for the artist such as Warhol and Picasso.
Color Code was initially intended as a backdrop for another concept. When working to blend the paints in a vertical manner, an abstraction emerged. Matheus saw the lines as a barcode; the parallel pattern used to systematically purchase. He felt the outcome needed to remain simple and untouched.
Caras e Cores, his signature series, is a reflection of the human experience. Each expression is serious, but given genuine qualities with the aid of vibrant color. In this series, the artist expresses a religious subtext without explicitly stating so.
Street Calligraphy brings the artist’s graffiti to a contained space on canvas. His writing unfolds into multiple perspectives to the viewer and is present on every piece — between abstractions, faces, skulls. The tag, intertwined, spreads out into distinctive often amplified dimensions in gigantic “Matheus” calligraphy lettering.
Originally from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Matheus grew up on street art; he was experimenting at an early age with his own style. Since moving to New York City in 2009, he has been expanding his interest in contemporary art, fashion, architecture, and interior design. He debuted the series Caras e Cores last year in a solo exhibition in the Lower East Side, as seen as in New York Magazine. Global Citizen selected him as the featured artist for their annual holiday charity art show in Soho and he has completed several private commissions around the city. This year, Matheus designed and produced his first line of furniture for a highly publicized exhibition in his hometown and was invited to include his work in fall.
