Tony Matelli is an American artist known for his unique style of abstract sculpture that expresses hyperrealistic angst. His work depicts imperfect human figures and macabre self-portraits that explore the complexities of the human condition.
In Total Torpor, Mad Malaise (2003), Matelli presents a grotesque parody of a classical reclining figure, featuring a deformed, nude man overcome by boils smiling curiously over the remains of his bingeing. This piece exemplifies Matelli's use of humor and horror to express his artistic vision.
One of Matelli's most striking pieces is Double Veg Head 2 (2008), which features a bronze and vinyl paint sculpture of two heads—one fresh and one rotten. The dimensions of the heads are variable, with the fresh head measuring 18 x 15 x 12 inches and the rotten head measuring 4 x 8 x 10 inches. This work showcases Matelli's ability to create abstract sculptures that evoke deep emotions and questions from viewers.
Matelli's abstract sculptures have been exhibited extensively in solo and group exhibitions across Europe and North America, including Personal Structures, a collateral event/exhibition at the 2011 Venice Biennale. His most wide-ranging solo exhibition, Tony Matelli - A HUMAN ECHO, was shown at ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum in Denmark in 2012.
Matelli received a BFA in sculpture from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and an MFA in sculpture from the Cranbrook Academy of Art. He currently lives and works in New York, continuing to push the boundaries of abstract sculpture and express his artistic vision through hyperrealistic angst.
In conclusion, Tony Matelli's abstract sculptures offer a unique and striking perspective on the human condition. Through his use of humor and horror, Matelli creates pieces that evoke deep emotions and questions from viewers. His extensive exhibition history and impressive credentials showcase his influence and importance within the world of contemporary art.