James Mathison

James Mathison in his studio

James Mathison, Man with Wings, Bronze, 1/8, 34 x 36 x 11 in.

James Mathison, Hombre Plano, 2003, Bronze, 1/8, 38 x 18 x 12 In.

James Mathison, Personage III, 2008, Bronze, 1/8, 40H x 13 1/2W x 13 1/2D In.

James Mathison, Perforated Head, 2014, 1/8, Bronze, 30H x 16W x 18D In.

James Mathison, Perforated Head, 2014, 2/8, Bronze, 25H x 17W x 18D In. With Base 28H x 17W x 18D In.

James Mathison, Hand Fist, Bronze, 2014, AP 2/4, 23 3/4 x 15 3/4 x 13.5 In.

About James Mathison

James Mathison, born in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1966, stands as a profound figure in contemporary sculpture, renowned for his evocative male sculptures. His work is characterized by a silent, introspective quality that communicates feelings of self-exploration and transformation. This unique approach imbues his sculptures with what can be described as the "power of dialogue" within their silence. Mathison's sculptures are distinguished by their exquisite anatomical precision. His focus on the male body is not merely a study of form but a deeper exploration of human experience and emotion. In his recent exhibitions, Mathison has introduced a novel element: engraved lines of text that appear to emanate from within the figures themselves. This innovative technique adds a layer of depth to his work, suggesting an internal monologue that enhances the silent dialogue of his pieces. Mathison's artistic vision is deeply influenced by the great sculptors of history, including Michelangelo, Rodin, Degas, Giacometti, and Zitman. These artists have significantly impacted his approach, particularly in their exploration of the human form and the transformation of matter into ideas about humanity. Mathison’s work can be seen as a continuation of this tradition, reflecting a dialogue between past artistic practices and his own contemporary perspective. In terms of his academic and professional journey, Mathison's path was initially unconventional. Between 1985 and 1990, he pursued law at the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Caracas, obtaining a law degree. This legal background, however, did not define his career. Instead, his move to France and England from 1991 to 1992 marked a pivotal period of professional growth. During this time, Mathison enriched his artistic practice with advanced wax casting techniques at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, which significantly influenced his sculptural methods. In 1993, Mathison established his own studio and foundry in Caracas, which became a crucial foundation for his artistic output. His career took him to Paris from 2002 to 2004, where he continued to refine his craft. In 2018, he relocated to Madrid, where he currently resides and maintains his workshop. Mathison’s work is included in notable museum collections in Venezuela and the United States, a testament to his impact and recognition in the art world. His sculptures continue to resonate with audiences, speaking through their silence and the delicate balance of emotion and form that defines his unique artistic voice.

EDUCATION 2002-04 - Establishes and works in Paris1993 - Creation of studio and foundry. Gavilan, Caracas1991-92 - St. Martin's Institute of Arts, London, England SELECTED EXHIBITIONS 2010Palm Beach Art Fair, Aldo Castillo Gallery, Palm Beach, FL 2009Biennal Miguel Otero Silva, Ascaso Gallery, Caracas, Venezuela 2008 Recent Work (solo exhibition), Moka Gallery, Chicago, IL Latinamerican Art , DGriss Gallery, Panama Iberoamerican Art Fair (FIA), Spativm Gallery, Caracas 2007 Textures , Hooks-Epstein Galleries, Houston Ibero-American Art Fair (FIA) , Spativm Gallery, Caracas 31: Thirty-one artists. Thirty-one works. , Hooks-Epstein Galleries, Houston 2006 Recent Work (solo exhibition) , Espace Meyer-Zafra, Paris2005 Observadores , Hooks-Epstein Galleries, Houston sculpture Biennial Francisco Narvaez , Museo Francisco Narvaez Porlamar, Venezuela 2004 Art Miami , Spativm Gallery, Miami Start , Strasbourg Art Fair, Espace Meyer-Zafra Strasbourg, France Arteamericas , Latin American Art Fair (Merrill Lynch), Spativm Gallery, Florida 2003 Latinamerican Art , Spativm Gallery, Caracas 6 artists/group exhibition , Espace Meyer-Zafra, Paris 3 artists/group exhibition , Espace Meyer-Zafra, Paris Salon grands et jeunes d'aujoud'hui , Espace d'auteuil, Paris Arteamericas , Latin American Art Fair (Merrill Lynch), Spativm Gallery, Florida Start , Strasbourg Art fair, Espace Meyer-Zafra, Strsbourg, France 2002 Group Exhibition , Espace Meyer-Zafra, Paris 2001 Recent Work (solo exhibition) , Espace Meyer-Zafra, Paris Ibero-American Art Fair (FIA) , Grupo Li Centro de Arte, Caracas Hombre Fragmento (solo exhibition) , Grupo Li Centro de Arte, Caracas Art Miami , Grupo Li Centro de Arte, Miami 2000 Art Miami , James Goodman Gallery, Miami Ibero-American Art Fair (FIA) , Grupo Li Centro de Arte, Caracas 1999 Ibero-American Art Fair (FIA) , Grupo Li Centro de Arte, Caracas 1998 Ibero-American Art Fair (FIA) , Grupo Li Centro de Arte, Caracas Homo-Sentimentalis (solo exhibition) , Grupo Li Centro de Arte, Caracas SELECTED COLLECTIONS John Kostelac & Suzanne York, HoustonSusan & Lester Smith, HoustonMollie Cannady, HoustonJohn Guess & Melanie Lawson, HoustonMuseo de arte Contemporaneo, CaracasMuseo Ambiental Parque Los Caobos, CaracasMuseum of Latin American Art (MOLA), Los Angeles