Matthew Cauchi, a Sydney-based Mixed Media abstract artist, has emerged as a distinctive force in the contemporary art scene, skillfully navigating the intersections of minimalism, Fauvism, and Abstract Expressionism. With a deliberate and considered approach, Cauchi’s paintings are a testament to the delicate balance he strikes between these artistic realms.- Description
In what ways did the lockdown serve as a transformative juncture in your artistic journey?
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a soul-searching reevaluation of my life. Challenges in the hospitality industry led to the sale of my cafes, marking a decisive turn toward embracing my true calling as an artist.
As a father, I wanted to set an example for my daughter, showing that relentless pursuit of passion can shape one’s destiny. The lockdown provided the time to immerse myself in painting, turning sporadic sessions into a daily commitment, and my style began to crystallize.
Around 18 months ago, everything clicked. The textured work I produce became a manifestation of my identity as an artist. This realization fueled unwavering dedication, and the last 12 months saw a whirlwind of momentum, with opportunities arising and a positive reception to my work.
Participating in the Other Art Fair in Sydney last December was a climax. The overwhelmingly positive response validated that I had found my unique voice as an artist. Since then, I’ve been all in, leaving no room for a Plan B. Art is not just what I do; it’s who I am.
Reflecting on the past two years, particularly the global shutdown, life’s swift alterations are surreal. Managing cafes, I reached a resolute moment, deciding to pursue art. The fear of vulnerability and potential criticism was overcome, marking a turning point.
This decision to fully immerse myself in art has proven to be the most rewarding choice. Creating these textured works feels like a calling, a profound connection to moulding texture and form. It’s a journey of self-discovery, shedding the fear of judgment, and embracing the joy of doing what I was seemingly put on this earth to do—create art that resonates deeply.
Your work seamlessly integrates elements of minimalism, Fauvism, and Abstract Expressionism. Can you share some of the artists or movements that have influenced your unique artistic style?
Since my early teens, around 14 or 15, I’ve been captivated by the works of Jose Parla, a renowned artist from Brooklyn, New York. His layered, textured art, influenced by street life and calligraphy, left a lasting impact on me. I’m particularly drawn to his use of mixed media, tearing posters from sidewalks to create intricate patterns.
This fascination with urban decay and texture is a consistent theme in my work. Walking through a city, I see beauty in peeling paint and weathered surfaces. Inspired by Parla, I’ve engaged in a bit of ‘guerrilla art,’ tearing down posters from dodgy suburbs to incorporate their layers into my textured creations.
The abstract era significantly influenced my understanding of art. My work might not carry profound hidden meanings consciously, but there’s an ongoing exploration, a subconscious journey where I layer, cut back, and uncover elements. The process is cathartic and deeply enjoyable.
My art isn’t laden with intricate meanings—at least not consciously. It’s an expression of what feels right, creating compositions that are detailed, considered, and beautiful. Replicating the beauty of the streets on a large canvas for a design-focused audience is my goal.
In essence, I aim to create art I love and would proudly hang on my wall. The fact that others find joy in it too is immensely gratifying—a testament to the power of creating something authentically beautiful.
Your approach to art-making is described as intuitive and improvisational. How does spontaneity influence your creative decisions, and how do you balance this with the deliberate layering process in your works?
My creative process often starts with a blank canvas, offering room for both improvisation and intention. In the past six months, I’ve shifted between working on board and canvas, with larger pieces finding their home on canvas due to logistical considerations, especially for international shipping.
Whether beginning with a burst of colour or a unique compound I’ve formulated, the process is a dance between structure and spontaneity. Layers upon layers follow, with refinement and focus on specific areas that catch my eye. Unpredictability is key, as materials with short drying times demand intuition. Mistakes become part of the process, requiring adaptability.
The true essence of my work emerges in the final 5 to 7 hours, a delicate balance between chaos and visually arresting beauty. In a current commission piece, layers and textures unfold, each stroke contributing to the composition. I selectively refine areas while preserving sections that resonate. The final layer shapes the abstract nature, a dance between chaos and deliberate beauty.
My process invites viewers to explore layers, question what lies beneath them, and appreciate the dynamic interplay between chaos and beauty.
Have you ever encountered a point in your creative process where you felt stuck or needed to take a break to regain momentum?
The artistic journey is a delicate dance between aspiration and self-doubt, a rhythm felt by every artist. In my daily struggle, the studio, my creative sanctuary, often holds pieces I believed were ruined. Countless paintings have been declared ‘hated’ upon my return the next day—a cycle fueled by an innate restlessness and a desire to push boundaries.
While self-critique is a powerful tool, it’s a double-edged sword, sometimes obscuring the joy of the present moment. The vulnerability of sharing art intensifies this emotional labyrinth. The fear of not being received as hoped can be paralyzing. Witnessing echoes of my work worldwide brings flattery but also a realization of certain aesthetics’ ubiquity.
The final layers, particularly challenging due to their permanence, involve a high-stakes game of covering and revealing. Mistakes become integral parts of the narrative, woven into the artwork’s fabric. Artistic evolution involves phases of mediocrity. Looking back at past work dispels the illusion of instantaneous talent, emphasizing consistent effort and making subpar work along the way.
The arduous path of an artist involves not only creating but also weathering storms of self-doubt and frustration. It’s a testament to resilience, forging ahead despite soul-crushing moments, with the hope that, with time and persistence, the balance might shift toward more favourable creative outcomes.
What message do you have for aspiring artists, those who haven’t yet taken up the brush or are in the early stages of their artistic journey?
In the dance of creation, there’s a profound moment when brush meets canvas, and creativity flows like an elusive river. To aspiring artists, I say, embrace the brush, and let it move with an intuitive rhythm. This journey, though daunting, is about traversing doubt and confronting insecurity. Don’t fear judgment; the first step is to be vulnerable in the face of creation.
Understand that the road to mastery involves creating work that falls short initially. To budding artists, I offer this counsel: let doubt be a whisper in your creative symphony. Keep picking up the brush, let each stroke be a testament to your evolving journey. Trust the process, embrace uncertainty, and know that, in time, it weaves into a tapestry of your artistic expression.