About
American artist, based in Connecticut widely recognized for his distinctive paintings, Mathieu is an equally adept Photographer, Pyrographer, and Designer with an expanding orbit of collectors including rock icons Ringo Starr and Matt Sorum of (Guns n’ Roses, The Cult, Velvet Revolver), his work has gained international recognition.
My paintings are inspired by the native and raw nature of cave paintings; an exploration of my surroundings and experiences. I use bold colors and powerful strokes to create images that feel as if they were born from the earth itself. These works are imbued with a sense of urgency and energy, as if the images are bursting forth from the canvas.
At the same time, I draw from the contemporary, using refined color palette and attention to detail to bring a sense of depth and richness to my work. The result is a style that is simultaneously unschooled and sophisticated, rough and refined.
I strive to capture the essence of both the ancient and the modern, creating images that speak to our deepest human impulses and desires. Whether depicting animals, landscapes, or human figures, my art seeks to connect us with our most primal selves, while reminding us of the enduring beautyand complexity of the human experience.
Drums and Roses
In Japan, Mathieu was introduced to the art of wood-burning; once in his studio, he emersed himself deeply in the craft and rapidly innovated novel techniques and applications. In 2013, Mathieu crossed over into the music industry when asked to design a series of drums for Latin Percussion’s 50th Anniversary. The release of these limited edition pieces at “The NAMM Show” opened a floodgate of interest within the music industry. In 2015, Mathieu collaborated with the Gretsch Drum Company and drum Icon, Matt Sorum of Guns and Roses which yielded a signature drum series, enthusiastically reviewed and distributed worldwide.
In the studio, intuition, and unconventional methods are my chosen modes of producing satisfying artwork. The majority of my paintings are created by applying charcoal and paint directly to the canvas with bare hands. -Mathieu
Emulsions
In Utah, Mathieu delved into astrophotography; holding the shutter open for extended periods, the galaxies and nebulas beyond revealed an unfiltered splendor. The resulting photos subsequently inspired a series of paintings that have been translated into laminated glass wallhangings. Dozens of these backlit installations grace the walls of opulent homes and commercial spaces.
Mathieu Jean’s often surreal imagery has been adapted to a wide gamut of media, including KARO Swimwear, featured in Sports Illustrated, Harpers Bazaar, and countless other publications worldwide. The “Mathieu Jean” line of KARO swimwear was launched in 2016 at Miami Swim Week. The suits feature designs with vivid colors and surreal content, reflecting exotic destinations.
Present
In 2021, (Helios) established by Michael St. John with roots in the music world, was opened in Las Vegas to exhibit Mathieu’s work indefinitely.