Through the eyes of Matthieu Livrieri

Can you please introduce yourself?

My name is Matthieu Livrieri. I’m from France, Grenoble, and I am a painter who lives in Belgium.

What is the main focus of your work?

I’m focused on daily life moments. It’s very important for me. I find inspiration in instances where people are just themselves. I draw people without them knowing I am drawing them. The people I draw are just in a natural posture and they don’t try to reflect an image.

Why is the idea of natural, unposed moments important to you?

We are in a society where we try to reflect a good image. We take photographs smiling, and no, it’s not like this all the time. Sometimes you are alone. Sometimes you are sad. Sometimes you are where you are, just with yourself. For me, it’s not sadness. Sadness is just being with you, yourself.

Where do you often find inspiration?

The most unexpected moments are often when I visit someone for the first time and see their plants. It’s a subject I really enjoy painting. And then the living space of people, like a kitchen with unwashed dishes. And I want to have paintings where people may appear, maybe alone or lost, but simply because they are in the moment with themselves.

Can you describe the perspective of your paintings?

In my paintings there is a fragmented perspective in my work. So there’s a perception of a place we live, moving with memory. And I was born with one blind eye, so I have a different perception of space. And I want, through my work, to say we all have different perceptions of objects and of place. I use two mediums. I use coloured pencils and oil painting.

What mediums do you work with?

It’s two different techniques for me because I started my artistic practice with pencil, and it was quite revealing for me. With the coloured pencil, it’s very easy to travel with. Painting is completely different. I take more time painting. You can add layer, layer, layer. And for me, a painting is never finished.

How important is colour in your work?

Colour is very important. And I love when colours clash and resonate with each other. They are a powerful tool for reaching people.

Do you have a favourite colour or a fixed palette?

My colour palette moves all the time. I just choose vibrant colours. I don’t have a favourite colour. I try to create vibrant scenes in silence.

How do you use space within a painting?

Some spaces in the painting are empty, and some spaces are full of objects and full of brushstrokes. I try to play with this contrast - silence and vibration.

Which artists or movements have influenced you most?

Since I was young, I've been fascinated with Fauvist painters and German Expressionists. It's a big passion for me.

Is there a specific artwork that continues to inspire you?

Yes, I'm from Grenoble, and in the Museum of Grenoble there is a masterpiece by Matisse, Intérieur aux aubergines. It's a painting that still resonates with my work all the time.

Do you still visit it?

Whenever I return to my home city, I go to visit this painting. I go to say hello to Intérieur aux aubergines.

Why is Matisse such an important reference for you?

Matisse is a big reference for me because he plays with colour, he plays with motifs, he tries to make the space vibrate and to transform the space.

How do you feel about solitude as an artist?

I think an artist spends a lot of time alone painting in their studio, and that’s not too bad, since we communicate all the time with other people. It’s important to have silent moments, when you are alone with yourself.

How do you balance solitude and connection?

It’s important to have moments of solitude, time with oneself, where the mind can wander. But it’s essential not to close yourself off - to reconnect with people, with artists, and to step outside your comfort zone.

Do you have a daily working routine?

Yes. In the morning I draw. During the day, I go to the studio at 1 p.m. and stay until 9 p.m. I do that all week.