MILAGRA - Painting on Persian Rug by Mateo Painting

At the heart of Mateo's artistic narrative lies his signature painted rugs, adorned with striking feminine portraits interwoven with ancient motifs. These masterpieces serve as a powerful homage to the diversity of human cultures, challenging the homogenization of our contemporary world mass culture. Through meticulous adherence to the symmetrical principles inherent in both rugs and human visages, Mateo's works touch our universal consciousness, prompting contemplation on the erosion of ancestral wisdom. Throughout the Orient, the ornamental design and symbolism of a rug's origins date back to the earliest past. Certain pieces are obviously loaded with a cleverly formulated philosophical message as well as totemic, tribal or spiritual symbols. By adding a human element, following the exact rules of symmetry present in a carpet and in a face, these works touch our deep being, our universal consciousness, they question our cultural identity currently cannibalized by standardization and mass culture. Denouncing the loss of our link with ancestral knowledge, the wisdom of our elders and the transmission of their learnings. Traditionally woven by women and meant for horizontal display, Mateo disrupts convention by vertically mounting the rugs on walls. This shift pays homage to the creative force of women weavers, who infuse their rugs with narratives from nature, mythology, and their daily lives. Passing down their wisdom through generations, these women ensure the continuity of ancient techniques and patterns.
 Each brushstroke in Mateo's work celebrates these women, weaving narratives transcending time. It invites viewers to explore the profound influence of women in art and the history of rugs, honoring cultures intertwined with the fabric of history.