FACES OF TRADITION

Mateo's practice is influenced by a decade-long globe-trot, leaving his mark by painting murals along his path. His desire to combine his street and studio work, as well as to embrace the diverse cultures and symbols he amassed during his travels emerged as his iconic painted traditional carpets.

Redefining the tradition behind the object itself, Mateo's carpets are rearranged from their conventional disposition by being hung, and represent ornamented faces of women, whom are historically linked to the weaving of carpets. Adorned with ancient motifs as well as tribal and spiritual metaphors, the towering carpets are painted by the artist with striking feminine features. This series of artworks forces us to question our cultural identity and universal consciousness in a relentless system that pushes for uniformity and homogeneity in contemporary mass culture.

Size of the Artworks : 225 x 150cm & 200 x 100cm