„I hear the echo of protests, I see the reflections of revolutions. And every pixel in the collage is the shadows of digital cities. My collages are a path that leads to new freedoms. And every line of the canvas is a struggle, this is a sound, this is an era of change.
I seek inspiration in the mundane and the extraordinary, in fleeting moments and eternal truths. The interplay of chaos and order, the tension between freedom and constraint – these paradoxes ignite my creativity. And perhaps, most profoundly, it is the human spirit – resilient, fragile, and infinitely complex – that fuels my artistic fire.
Matthew Morpheus is not merely my name; it is my manifesto. I morph reality, distilling it into fragments that resonate with the viewer's own memories. My collages are bridges between past and present, between nostalgia and possibility.“
Matthew Morpheus
Matthew Morpheus
Conceptual Art
Matthew Morpheus, a visionary Ukrainian conceptual artist, transforms raw emotion into intricate collages that echo the turbulence of the modern world. His works are a dialogue between chaos and order, where fractured realities reveal hidden truths. Through layers of imagery, he expresses the cries of unseen wounds and the resilience of the human spirit. In his art, pain is not merely endured—it is deconstructed and reshaped into a form of visual healing.
Interview
Your collages seem to carry the echoes of unrest and transformation. What personal or historical events have shaped the emotional depth of your work?
„We all live in an era of change—cataclysms, wars, financial crises, and social upheavals. We are all witnesses to these events. Art has always reflected the aspirations of civilization, and the current trends we observe are no exception.
In my collages, I strive to capture the emotions—the dichotomy of destruction and creation—that embody these experiences, creating a visual tapestry that speaks to our collective hopes and aspirations. The ongoing war in my homeland, Ukraine, has had a profound impact on me. I feel a responsibility to use my art to express the pain and suffering of my people, to raise awareness about the conflict, and to inspire hope for a better future. But war is not the only event shaping my perception. I am also influenced by other global issues such as climate change, the rise of social inequality, and economic crises. These concerns weigh heavily on my mind, and I seek to address them in my art in a way that is both personal and universal.
Ultimately, my goal as an artist is to create works that are not only visually striking but also meaningful. I believe art has the power to connect, to heal, and to help us build a more just and compassionate world.“
You describe your art as a path to new freedoms. In what ways does creating collages liberate both you and your audience?
„For me, creativity is more than just self-expression—it is a manifesto of freedom. Freedom of thought, freedom of spirit, and the freedom to be myself. In my collages, I strive to create a space where everyone can feel unbound by limits and restrictions.
I am convinced that art can change the world. It can inspire, motivate, and make people think. My collages are my contribution to a freer and fairer world. I want my work to speak for itself—to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and inspire change. My goal is not just to create visually appealing pieces but to make art that matters. Art that can make a difference. Art that brings freedom.“
There is an almost haunting quality in your work, as if memories and digital fragments are suspended in time. How do you choose the images and textures that become part of your compositions?
„The world is fragmented by a constant stream of diverse information. The images and textures I select are not chosen at random. They are more like echoes—fragments of memories, both personal and collective, that resonate with me.
For example, in my artwork New Gods, I explore trends already shaping global society. The collage captures challenges and themes that resonate with people regardless of where they are from—be it the US, China, Europe, or the African continent. Another example is Secret Life of Mona Lisa, a piece that was created before the widespread use of AI-generated imagery. It remains one of my most successful attempts to reimagine a single idea—what if we uncover the hidden history of Da Vinci’s masterpiece? And I believe I succeeded.
Collages don’t necessarily have to tell a linear story but should evoke a feeling, a mood. They should remain open to interpretation, allowing viewers to bring their own experiences and memories into the work, completing the narrative in their own way.“
You speak of the interplay between chaos and order in your creative process. Do you believe art has the power to heal the wounds it exposes?
„Oh, yes. Art has an undeniable power to heal—both for the creator and the audience. Its healing ability lies in transforming raw wounds into something meaningful and, in some way, beautiful. Through creation, chaos is given structure and purpose, and order emerges from disorder. This transformation provides a sense of catharsis and liberation, not only for the artist but also for those who engage with the work.
In essence, art serves as a bridge between pain and healing, offering solace and hope through its expressive and transformative nature. By addressing and accepting the wounds it exposes, art has the capacity to heal, inspire, and restore a sense of wholeness.“
In times of great personal or societal turmoil, how does your artistic voice evolve? Do you find art to be an act of resistance or reconciliation?
„The turbulent times we are witnessing only intensify my creative drive, compelling me to channel my emotions and thoughts into my art with even greater fervor. This evolution manifests in bolder compositions, stronger contrasts, and a deeper exploration of themes that reflect the human experience in moments of crisis.
For me, art is both an act of resistance and reconciliation. As resistance, it challenges the status quo and confronts the injustices of our time. Through my collages and installations, I seek to provoke thought, question existing narratives, and inspire defiance against oppression and inequality. Art becomes a voice for the voiceless, a beacon of hope, and a call to action.
At the same time, art is a means of reconciliation. It offers a space for reflection, healing, and understanding. By expressing the complexities of the human experience, my work aims to bridge divides and foster empathy, inviting viewers to find common ground amidst the chaos.“
Your work bridges the past and present, nostalgia and possibility. If your collages could send a message to the future, what would it be?
„If my collages could send a message to the future, it would be more like a transmission—a fragmented signal, an echo of the present. A tapestry woven from the threads of our time, reflecting our anxieties, hopes, and dreams as we navigate an era of rapid change.
But perhaps most importantly, my work would convey the transience of time. It would speak to humanity’s capacity for adaptation, creativity, and hope. Even in the face of uncertainty, we continue to seek beauty, connection, and meaning. It would not be a prophecy, but a reflection—a reminder of who we were, what we valued, and what we longed for. A message in a bottle, cast into the vast ocean of time.“
As an artist who experiments with different media and digital elements, how do you see the role of technology in the emotional impact of contemporary art?
„A great question. Ever-evolving technology amplifies the emotional impact of contemporary art by providing new means of expression, enhancing sensory experiences, and fostering deeper connections between artist and audience. It expands the possibilities of storytelling, allowing art to resonate in powerful ways in today’s digital world.
I will have an exhibition in autumn 2025 in Edinburgh (UK), where I will present new work exploring how modern technologies—such as AI—can be incorporated into contemporary art. Keep an eye on my social media; it’s going to be fascinating.“
Many of your pieces evoke the fragmentation of identity and reality. Do you see yourself reflected in your work, or do your collages take on a life of their own?
„The relationship between me and my work is complex and constantly evolving.
I believe that every artist’s work carries a trace of their essence. My collages, though they depict fragmented identities and realities, are deeply personal explorations of my own experiences and perceptions. Each piece is like a mirror reflecting different aspects of my inner world.
However, once they leave my hands, my works take on a life of their own. Viewers bring their own interpretations and emotions, breathing new meaning into them. It is a dynamic relationship between the creator, the artwork, and the audience. So while my soul is embedded in each collage, their stories transcend my original intentions.“
Your collages seem to cry out with a silent scream—how do you balance raw emotion with aesthetic composition in your creative process?
„When I begin a new piece or installation, I immerse myself in the emotion I want to convey—whether it’s longing, joy, or the silent scream you describe. From there, I carefully consider how to express that emotion through color, texture, and form. It’s a delicate dance between instinct and intention. I allow raw emotion to guide the initial creation, then refine the composition to ensure it resonates on a deeper level. It’s about finding harmony between chaos and order. Once I feel the emotion has been preserved—enhanced rather than diluted by the visual elements—I release the work to the world, inviting the audience to feel and reflect.“
If art is a form of healing, what do your collages seek to mend?
„On a personal level, my collages help me navigate and process complex emotions, traumas, and experiences. Each piece becomes a safe space to confront and transform these feelings into something tangible and beautiful. It is a way for me to reconcile the fragmented aspects of my identity and find a sense of wholeness. For the world at large, my art aims to address the larger themes of fragmentation and disconnection that many of us feel in today's society, offering an attempt to bring things together.“
