Mathias Kiss

Sculptor & Installation Artist — France

Mathias Kiss is a contemporary French artist known for his work in the fields of sculpture, painting, and installation. He is particularly recognized for his artistic creations that play with notions of space, perspective, and trompe-l'œil. His often monumental works frequently incorporate architectural and decorative elements, exploring the boundaries between art and architecture. Kiss is also famous for his interventions in historical places, transforming spaces with a bold and innovative approach. Mathias Kiss has a very unique approach to the sky in his artistic work. He often explores the representation of the sky through installations, paintings, and sculptures that defy traditional expectations and perceptions. He frequently uses perspective and trompe-l'œil techniques to create the illusion of an infinite or expanding sky, experiments with mirrors, transparent fabrics, and reflective materials to capture its brightness and depth, and transforms ceilings and architectural structures into immersive sky experiences.

Can you define your artistic style and influences?

My artistic style is a bold fusion of classical and contemporary, where the boundaries between the two blur to create something new and captivating. My main influences come from classical architecture, modern and contemporary art, as well as nature itself. I draw inspiration from the elegant symmetry of ancient palaces as much as from the organic complexity of natural forms.

Can you provide examples of innovative uses for gold leaf?

Gold leaf is a fascinating material that offers a unique visual and symbolic richness. My choice to use it in my works stems from my fascination with its brightness and its ability to transform the most ordinary surfaces into something truly extraordinary. My creative process with gold leaf involves a combination of traditional techniques and contemporary concepts, thus creating pieces that capture both the light and the viewer's imagination.

How can traditional and contemporary art be fused together innovatively?

Integrating traditional and contemporary art into my works is essential to me because it allows me to explore the links between the past and the present, between familiarity and innovation. I believe that it is at this intersection that the most powerful and inspiring ideas are born. By merging these two aspects, I aim to create works that transcend the boundaries of time and aesthetics.

What impact has the training with the companions had on you?

My training with the companions has deeply influenced my artistic approach by providing me with a solid foundation in craftsmanship and tradition while encouraging me to push the boundaries of creativity. The emphasis on meticulous work and mastery of artisanal techniques has allowed me to approach my art with a level of attention to detail and precision that characterizes my work today.

How does your art interact with the environment?

My installations in public spaces aim to create an emotional connection between art and its environment. I firmly believe that art has the power to transform spaces and evoke reactions and reflections in those who encounter it. By integrating my works into various contexts, I seek to create immersive experiences that invite the public to interact with their environment in new and meaningful ways.

What roles do aesthetics and the messages behind your works play?

Aesthetics play a central role in my work, but they also carry emotional and conceptual depth. My works are not only beautiful to look at; they tell stories, evoke emotions, and invite reflection. Through my artistic provocations, I seek to challenge expectations and conventions, prompting the audience to question their perceptions and explore new perspectives on the world around us.

Could you tell us about your most recent project and how you foresee the evolution of your work in the future?

A recent project that is particularly close to my heart is a series of installations exploring the theme of duality and balance. Inspired by the concepts of light and shadow, tradition and innovation, these works explore the tensions between opposites and the possibilities of harmonizing them. Looking to the future, I am excited about exploring new techniques and mediums, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with other artists and designers to create even bolder and more immersive artistic experiences.