Papa was a Rolling Stone
In the Studio with Artist Michael Matos
Needle drop. Needle and thread. Eye of the…You get the point. To speak of needles with multimedia artist Michael Matos may infer a number of cultural references. A visit to the artists’ studio is to be transported into a virtual cockpit headed for points unknown. And that’s exactly where this writer found herself after journeying to Pelham Bay Park, New York one quiet Sunday. Get your thrill on. Michael Matos, aka #matos_studio, speaks with the authority of a sage. He exudes the confidence of a rolling stone. Electronic grids. Dissonant drums. A sewing machine. These are the talismans of his craft. Michael talks candidly about his life in music, digital art, fashion and the blending of all three. A juggernaut in the making, he possesses fierce fire.
“Hey momma, I heard papa called himself a jack of all trades…”
- The Temptations
Q&A
MUSIC AS ARCHAEOLOGY
VV.: Michael, how are you? You’re an artist who translates music into fabric. Take us back; what made you decide to make music?
VV.: What were you searching for as a musician?
“It was about elevating your soul and your people and your culture.”
VV.: What’s your intent? And when do you know you have attained it?
“I’m trying to create a sense of rhythm and movement which is disconcerting...I want to push it to a place where it’s imploding…”
VV.: This isn’t a typical art studio. Walk me through it!
VV.: Please describe your “hybrid work flow”.
VV.: You were once represented by a gallery but found yourself confined to making commercial work. Please tell us about your experience?
For further inquiries, please reach Michael at:
Follow him at: #matos_studio