︎ French

BIOGRAPHY

Originally from Granby, Matthew Belval now lives and works in Montreal.

At a young age, he learned to paint under the wing of a local artist. He explored various institutions throughout his artistic journey until he found his way in the bohemian movement. In the summer of 2009, Matthew left his hometown for the city, where he was particularly moved by the plight of the homeless. His neighbourhood awoke in him a deep sensitivity for humanity, regardless of social divisions. He began a touching series of paintings dedicated to the streets. Starting in 2014, Matthew regularly performed at Rockette bar, where he painted in front of a crowd along with a handful of other artists. In 2015, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Quai des brumes, the artist exhibited 30 portraits of men and women who had contributed to the success of this iconic Montreal bar. This period soon drew him to the world of music, where he formed tight bonds with the scene’s singer-songwriters. In 2016, he kicked off a new project, Backstage, depicting musicians away from the stage. He was notably approached by Jacques Jacobus to create his album cover. In 2018, his work was shown on the big screen for the first time, when he was asked to create an original piece for a short film, “La Porte” (The Door), which tells the story of an agoraphobic painter played by Patrick Huard. Since 2014, his work has, again and again, been selected to help raise funds for prestigious foundations such as Art Sida, Jacques Bouchard, and Le Groupe Perron.

ARTISTIC APPROACH

Matthew Belval is a naturalist painter whose work is a consecration of the everyday. In his paintings, he showcases subjects that too often go unrepresented. Whether that be a graffitied container, breakfast leftovers, or an unembellished face, the artist aims to honour nature exactly as it is. In this ordinary beauty, he highlights something fundamentally universal.

While just about anything compels him, human beings remain the most recurring subject in his work. No matter their social status, he is guided by a challenge to find similarities and a desire for transcendence. Blending the tangible – clothes, accessories, tattoos – and the intangible – looks, postures, emotions – makes for an enjoyable lottery. Each individual possesses a combination that makes the art of portraiture infinitely inspiring.

His preliminary research is conducted through photography. As words are exchanged, Belval’s lens looks for changes of spirit. His eyes focus on the human being in front of him, preferring spontaneous compositions and natural light. The artist then selects a final piece, observing positions and expressions. He pays particular attention to patterns and textures, finding joy in capturing pearl necklaces and plastic bracelets alike. He observes and records the smallest details, then meticulously transcribes them with his brushes. While the photo remains a reference throughout his creative process, the artist possesses a singular ability to transform images.

His studio plays host to heaps of oil paint and liquin spread over a palette, canvases covered in gesso, easels perched atop a modest carpet, and a few neon lights. The artist draws the first lines of his composition freehand, using a grid pattern and charcoal. At this step, he disregards anything that bothers him, to the point of removing the environment surrounding his subject. If secondary objects tell a story, the accompanying voids guide the eye to the crux of the matter.

From his realistic works emanate classic craftsmanship. Never excessively smooth, the artist’s brushstrokes are apparent. From impasto to transparency, his palette remains sober. Muddy colours enhance brighter hues. Belval’s portraits are anything but boring. His work is honest, depicting a sense of empathy between subject and viewer, without any judgment. Belval democratizes the art of classic portraiture. In this sense, his approach is resolutely contemporary.