Interview: Małgorzata Reszka Matthes
Luca Curci talks with Małgorzata Reszka Matthes, honourable mention of ITSLIQUID International Contest – 15th edition.

“For me, collage is a journey between dimensions. It starts with an idea in my head and, through the creative process, often ends up in a place that surprises me. It is a journey to myself as well – I interweave each portrait with my emotions. As a highly sensitive person and woman, I give myself strength with my art and these are often my personal affirmations.”

Luca Curci – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
Małgorzata Reszka Matthes – When it comes to art she is a self-taught person. I graduated in pedagology from Warsaw University. I moved with my family from Warsaw to Berlin in 2016. Berlin as a city of contrasts, a cultural “mosaic”, inspires me a lot. Although I felt lonely in this city for a long time and it was not an easy time for me. As a young mother, I had a huge need to escape from everyday life so I started cutting out newspapers cuttings and creating my own version of the images. I started to present my collages on my Instagram account @arteszkaa. So my journey as a collage artist flourished in 2021.

LC – How did you get to your current artistic practice?
MRM – I was always interested in photography. However, I have always needed to change something, to add – to make the image more crazy and unreal. I started using Photoshop and learned other Adobe Suit programs. I started to use my knowledge of Photoshop to experiment by changing paintings, artworks, and old photos the way I felt. I always try to choose those photographs and images that I ‘feel’. I treat them with delicacy, being aware that each image and character is a separate, intimate story.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
MRM – Nature and people inspire me a lot. A process of self-development as a mother and a woman. I am all the time gaining experience and learning new things – especially self-confidence. I discovered that I am a highly sensitive person – it has its pros and cons. I was afraid to talk about my feelings for a long time or express what is inside of me and now I am doing it through my art, showing my perspective. Boldly. And I find it super exciting!

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
MRM – My style has changed. I started by experimenting, looking for my style. I noticed that I was fascinated by old portraits and the intermingling of textures and forms, which for me is a symbol of life and development. I often transfer my affirmations and how I want to feel and what I am aiming for into my artpieces. There is a bit of contrast in me, as I am currently playing with creating and preparing more traditional collages – as a form of expression of the childish energy within me. Too much outside stuff is overwhelming – let art be a place to unwind and enter a fantasy world.

LC – What issues do you intend to deal with in the future?
MRM – There was a time when I feared AI and everything related to it. However, I believe that a sensitive and thinking human will choose for himself what is authentic. And for me, an artist is not only his works, but his journey, his personality and if he does it with passion then you can feel it in his works. It is not enough to combine random elements on demand. It is an appreciation of the individual.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
MRM – My dream is to have an exhibition in London and I think that with you it is going to be possible soon.