Inspire me
Home is Where the Art is: Matt Dosa
Visit our Campaign Artist, Matt Dosa's, London home. Discover the place where his inspiration is born, and his top tips for starting a successful art collection.
Cleo Tse
Saturday 6 July, 2024
Our new campaign for Affordable Art Fair Stockholm (2 – 6 October, Nacka Strandsmässan) takes Side by Side, a print by abstract artist Matt Dosa, as our star artwork. You’ll be seeing our campaign image all around Stockholm, and we’re so pleased to be able to showcase Matt’s work to so many.
Ahead of the fair, we had the pleasure of visiting Matt in London to discover how he incorporates art into his home. Discover how Matt lives by his motto: buy what you love. Don’t forget to read until the end, as we are announcing an exciting news!
WHICH PIECE MEANS “HOME” TO YOU?
In terms of from my own art collection, an artist called Hannah Broadway has made this extensive series of illustrations of everyday household objects. I have four in my kitchen. They fit so perfectly between two windows. They’re really jolly, and I think they epitomise everyday life in a very playful way.
When it comes to my own work, for the last two years I’ve been working out of a studio in my house, so all my creations start at home. I’ve always loved the idea of people living with my work. Knowing that I have these little pieces of me decorating people’s lives all over the world is one of the best parts of my job.
The home is exactly where I want all my work to be!
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE ART PIECES FOR EACH ROOM IN THE HOME?
I don’t think I’ve ever bought a piece of art with a specific place that I’ll hang it in mind. I’ll buy a piece of art because I love it. Trying to find the right spot for it later is the fun part. It’s amazing how much a new environment can change a work. This also means you can give older pieces new life by moving them around every now and then.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO PEOPLE WHEN THEY HANG ART IN THEIR HOMES?
Don’t be afraid of your own taste! There’s no right or wrong. If having it on your wall makes you smile, then you’ve made the right choice! And hang as much as you possibly can! Nothing will add joy, character and individuality to a home like art will.
(Also, buy my art!)
WHICH PIECE IS YOUR PERSONAL FAVOURITE?
That’s a tough question! Can I pick two?
First, I own a piece of graffiti art on canvas by Richie ‘Seen’ Mirando, one of the pioneers of the New York graffiti scene in the 1980s. It’s amazing to live with a piece of history, especially one that has influenced my life and work so much.
Second, I commissioned my friend Annie Dalton to paint a portrait of my pet turtle, Tommy. It hangs above his tank in a gold frame, making him look very regal!
WHEN LOOKING FOR A NEW PIECE, WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE MOST IMPORTANT CRITERIA?
Ha-ha, unfortunately, “Can I afford this?” is often my first thought! But as someone who makes a living through painting, I also think about who will benefit from the sale. Buying from smaller, independent galleries or directly from artists is always nice, and supports a living artist’s career.
Getting a message from After Nyne Contemporary, the gallery who represent me, saying that seven of my paintings had sold at the Affordable Art Fair was an unbeatable feeling. If I know my purchase has made someone feel like that, I’ll enjoy having the work in my home all the more!
Thank you so much, Matt! We’re so pleased to see how much Matt’s work is loved all over the world, and that his home is full of so much art by other independent creators.
Now you are here, we would like to proudly announce a collaboration with Matt: to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Affordable Art Fair, Matt will be creating a limited edition of prints! As you might have guessed, there are only 25 editions and only selling on a fist-come-first-serve basis!
Join us at Affordable Art Fair Stockholm on 2 – 6 October at Nacka Strandsmässan. A huge range of 1,000s of artworks will be ready for you to explore. We can’t wait to welcome you!