Mercedes Matter
Mercedes Matter (1913-2001) was an influential American painter and educator whose contributions to abstract expressionism and the art world extended far beyond her canvases. Known for her dynamic compositions and expressive brushwork, Matter played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of modern art. This biography delves into her life, career, and three of her most significant artworks, illustrating her profound impact on the art community.
Early Life and Education
Mercedes Carles Matter was born on October 8, 1913, in New York City, into a family deeply embedded in the arts. Her father, Arthur B. Carles, was a renowned painter associated with the Philadelphia School, and her mother, Mercedes de Cordoba, was a model for Edward Steichen. Growing up in such a creatively rich environment, Matter was exposed to the world of art from a young age, fostering her passion for painting.
Matter’s formal art education began at the Bennett School in Millbrook, New York, followed by the National Academy of Design. However, her most significant early influence came from her time studying under Hans Hofmann, a German-American painter and teacher known for his abstract expressionist techniques. Hofmann’s emphasis on push and pull, as well as his innovative use of color and form, profoundly shaped Matter’s artistic approach.
Early Career and the Formation of Her Style
In the 1930s, Matter’s career began to take shape as she immersed herself in the New York art scene. She worked as an assistant to Fernand Léger, a French painter and sculptor, at the avant-garde New York School of Fine and Applied Art (now Parsons School of Design). This experience allowed her to refine her technical skills and deepen her understanding of modernist principles.
Matter’s early works were characterized by a strong sense of structure and form, reflecting the influence of both Hofmann and Léger. She developed a distinct style that combined elements of cubism and abstract expressionism, using bold lines and vibrant colors to create dynamic compositions. Her ability to merge these two approaches set her apart from her contemporaries and established her as a significant figure in the abstract expressionist movement.
Marriage and Professional Growth
In 1939, Matter married Herbert Matter, a Swiss-born photographer and graphic designer known for his pioneering work in photomontage and advertising. The couple became central figures in the New York art community, forging friendships with prominent artists such as Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, and Willem de Kooning.
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Matter’s work continued to evolve as she experimented with different techniques and mediums. Her paintings from this period often featured a combination of abstract forms and gestural brushwork, reflecting her deep engagement with the principles of abstract expressionism. She exhibited her work regularly in group shows and solo exhibitions, gaining recognition for her innovative approach to painting.
Important Artworks
Three of Matter’s most significant artworks are “Still Life” (1950), “Blue Composition” (1960), and “Abstract Landscape” (1975). These paintings exemplify her mastery of form, color, and composition, highlighting her contributions to the abstract expressionist movement.
“Still Life” (1950)
“Still Life” is a pivotal work in Matter’s career, showcasing her ability to transform traditional subject matter into a dynamic abstract composition. The painting features a complex arrangement of shapes and forms, rendered in a vibrant palette of blues, reds, and yellows. The interplay of geometric elements and organic forms creates a sense of movement and depth, evoking the energy and vibrancy of the natural world.
The title “Still Life” reflects Matter’s interest in exploring the boundaries between abstraction and representation. While the painting does not depict a traditional still life, its arrangement of shapes and forms evokes the sense of an abstracted interior scene. This work exemplifies Matter’s ability to balance formal structure with expressive brushwork, creating a composition that is both rigorous and emotive.
“Blue Composition” (1960)
“Blue Composition” is a significant work in Matter’s oeuvre, representing her continued exploration of color and abstraction. The painting features a harmonious arrangement of shapes and lines in shades of blue, with subtle touches of white and black. The interplay of color and form creates a sense of calm and serenity, reflecting Matter’s interest in the meditative qualities of abstraction.
The painting’s dynamic composition and subtle use of color demonstrate Matter’s mastery of abstraction, highlighting her ability to create works that are both visually engaging and emotionally resonant. “Blue Composition” exemplifies her innovative approach to painting, showcasing her ability to evoke complex emotions through simple forms and colors.
“Abstract Landscape” (1975)
“Abstract Landscape” is a later work by Matter that reflects her continued exploration of abstraction and the natural world. The painting features a vibrant composition of overlapping shapes and forms in shades of green, yellow, and blue. The dynamic interplay of color and form creates a sense of movement and energy, evoking the beauty and vitality of a landscape.
The title “Abstract Landscape” suggests a connection to the natural world, reflecting Matter’s interest in capturing the essence of a particular place or season. The painting’s vibrant colors and dynamic composition convey a sense of joy and exuberance, highlighting Matter’s ability to create works that are both visually striking and emotionally uplifting.
Educator and Advocate
In addition to her contributions as an artist, Matter was a dedicated educator and advocate for the arts. In 1964, she founded the New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture, which aimed to provide a rigorous and immersive education for aspiring artists. The school emphasized the importance of studio practice and fostered a supportive community of artists dedicated to the pursuit of artistic excellence.
Matter’s commitment to education and mentorship had a profound impact on the art community, inspiring countless artists to develop their own unique voices. Her dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for artists continues to be a cornerstone of the New York Studio School’s philosophy.
Legacy and Influence
Mercedes Matter’s legacy as an artist and educator lies in her ability to create a unique visual language that bridges the gap between abstraction and representation. Her innovative use of color, form, and composition has left a lasting impact on modern art, influencing generations of artists and viewers.
Matter’s works are included in the collections of major museums and galleries around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Guggenheim Museum. Her influence extends beyond her own paintings, as she also played a crucial role in advocating for the recognition and inclusion of women artists within the art world.
Personal Life and Philosophy
Matter’s personal life was marked by her dedication to her art and her relationships with fellow artists. Her marriage to Herbert Matter provided a stable foundation for her creative endeavors, and together they shared a mutual appreciation for the arts and a commitment to fostering a supportive artistic community.
Matter viewed her paintings as a form of exploration and discovery, a way to engage with the world and express her inner vision. She believed in the power of abstraction to convey emotional and intellectual experiences, and her work often reflects a deep sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around her.
Conclusion
Mercedes Matter’s artistic journey is a testament to her creativity, resilience, and profound understanding of color and form. Through her innovative use of abstraction and her dynamic compositions, she created a body of work that continues to inspire and challenge viewers. “Still Life,” “Blue Composition,” and “Abstract Landscape” are just a few examples of her ability to convey complex ideas and emotions through abstract forms and vibrant colors. Matter’s legacy as a pioneer of abstract expressionism and a master of color ensures that her work will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.
