Matt’s textural creations show a deep influence by surrealism and pop art. Through daily representation, the artist presents us His “Afropop” aesthetic that explores themes like race, religion and sexuality. Starting from the classical tradition of a self-portrait, the artist moves forward carrying the artwork and the observer into a reality able to transcend pop culture.
The character looks directly at the observer and transforms the representation of a normal daily scene into a moment of uncomfortable confrontation between the modernized African man that the artist wants to introduce to us and the ghost behind him.
A ghost who basically asks: is this the real you? Or have you lost your pure being over the years and you let yourself be swallowed by a culture that does not belong to you?
The artist’s production widens from the rielaboration of the traditional portrait introducing daily intimate sets characterized by a nearly disturbing quiet that leads us to question ourselves if we’re welcome in the scene. Matt Kayem opens the window of vision on privacy allowing the viewer to quietly take a peek.
