Rafael Matias

For me, painting is a kind of alchemy through which I attempt to transform colors, matter, thoughts, feelings, and emotions into images, radiographs of my memory and soul. In terms of technique, the painting I create at the moment, although it can be categorized within the realm of gestural art and abstract expressionism, is not driven by spontaneity, primary creative impulses, or chance. Undoubtedly, these elements define to some extent the majority of my works, but they emerge in the middle and final stages of painting as adjustments or deliberate interventions, carefully passed through the filter and analysis of self-evaluation and requirements more cerebral, analytical rather than spontaneous and accidental.
I say this because in my works, I start with a predetermined composition and a plan for the stages of creation and the steps to be taken. The gestural aspect of my painting is merely the result of the chosen visual language, the technique of rendering, and representation. Thus, elements of visual language based on gesturalism, chance, and accident are not foundational to the conceptual and compositional aspects of the work; they are elements that only contribute color, form, and dynamics.

High School of Fine Arts, Resita.
Faculty of Fine and Decorative Arts, West University of Timisoara; Art Pedagogy Department; Bachelor of Art Pedagogy.
Master's degree, Faculty of Fine Arts Timișoara, Art Pedagogy section.

2022 Solo exhibition, "Chromatic Tandem IV" at the Foyer Gallery, Cinema Independența, Târgoviște.
2021 Solo exhibition, "Chromatic Tandem III," Artex Gallery, Râmnicu Vâlcea.
2019 Solo exhibition, "Trilogy," Pygmalion Gallery, Timișoara.
2018 Solo exhibition, "Chromatic Tandem II," Căminul Artei Gallery, Bucharest.
2018 Solo exhibition, "Explorations in Imaginary Abstract," English Pub Art Club, Lugoj.
2018 Solo exhibition, "Explorations in Imaginary Abstract," Helios Gallery, Timișoara.
2017 Solo exhibition, Casa de Cultura, Reșița.
2017 Solo exhibition, "Chromatic Tandem," Forma Gallery, Deva.
2017 Solo exhibition, "Archaeology of Memory. Anchors in Time," Helios Gallery, Timișoara.
2015 Solo exhibition, "Center of the World. Point of Transcendence," Helios Gallery, Timișoara.
2011 Solo exhibition, "Gates of the Imaginary," Helios Gallery, Timișoara.
2009 Solo exhibition, Helios Gallery, Timișoara.
2005 Solo exhibition, Semenic Hotel, Reșița;
1996 Solo exhibition, French Library, Reșița.