James Mathison
Works & Biography
Deep Symbolism in Bronze Sculpture
James Mathison’s magnificent bronze sculptures are featured in museums such as MOLAA, as well as in corporate and notable private collections, parks, and other public spaces. His work has garnered significant attention from the press, curators, and experts, particularly for his numerous exhibitions in Paris and Switzerland. Recent monographs have brought him to Texas, Chicago, and Miami. Mathison’s sculptures have been reviewed in both local and international press, and collectors have recently acquired his pieces at Art Miami and Art Palm Beach.
James Mathison, Grid Character 2011, 2/8, Bronze, 42H x 18W x 12.5D In
James Mathison, Man with Wings, Bronze 34 x 36 x 11 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.
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
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
Latinamerican Art, DGriss Gallery, Panama
Iberoamerican Art Fair (FIA), Spativm Gallery, Caracas
Ibero-American Art Fair (FIA), Spativm Gallery, Caracas
31: Thirty-one artists. Thirty-one works., Hooks-Epstein Galleries, Houston
Museo Francisco Narvaez Porlamar, Venezuela
Start, Strasbourg Art Fair, Espace Meyer-Zafra Strasbourg, France
Arteamericas, Latin American Art Fair (Merrill Lynch), Spativm Gallery, Florida
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
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
Ibero-American Art Fair (FIA), Grupo Li Centro de Arte, Caracas
Homo-Sentimentalis (solo exhibition), Grupo Li Centro de Arte, Caracas
SELECTED COLLECTIONS
- 2002-04 - Establishes and works in Paris
- 1993 - Creation of studio and foundry. Gavilan, Caracas
- 1991-92 - St. Martin's Institute of Arts, London, England
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
- 2010
- 2009
- 2008
Latinamerican Art, DGriss Gallery, Panama
Iberoamerican Art Fair (FIA), Spativm Gallery, Caracas
- 2007
Ibero-American Art Fair (FIA), Spativm Gallery, Caracas
31: Thirty-one artists. Thirty-one works., Hooks-Epstein Galleries, Houston
- 2006
- 2005
Museo Francisco Narvaez Porlamar, Venezuela
- 2004
Start, Strasbourg Art Fair, Espace Meyer-Zafra Strasbourg, France
Arteamericas, Latin American Art Fair (Merrill Lynch), Spativm Gallery, Florida
- 2003
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
- 2001
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
Ibero-American Art Fair (FIA), Grupo Li Centro de Arte, Caracas
- 1999
- 1998
Homo-Sentimentalis (solo exhibition), Grupo Li Centro de Arte, Caracas
SELECTED COLLECTIONS
- John Kostelac & Suzanne York, Houston
- Susan & Lester Smith, Houston
- Mollie Cannady, Houston
- John Guess & Melanie Lawson, Houston
- Museo de arte Contemporaneo, Caracas
- Museo Ambiental Parque Los Caobos, Caracas
- Museum of Latin American Art (MOLA), Los Angeles
