

The purpose of the artist is not to reproduce the visible, but to make visible what is not.
Biography
Roberto Matta (1911–2002) remains a key figure in 20th-century art, celebrated for his visionary contributions to Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism. His work continues to captivate collectors and art lovers worldwide, with significant recent exhibitions and strong auction results reinforcing his place in the contemporary art market. In 2025, the centennial of Matta's birth is commemorated with major retrospectives, including Roberto Matta 1911–2002 at Ca' Pesaro in Venice, Italy, a highly anticipated exhibition running from October 2024 to March 2025. This retrospective highlights Matta's unique exploration of cosmic and subconscious themes, showcasing over 20 works that illustrate his intellectual and artistic journey, from his early surrealist experiments to his later abstract works.
Matta's History is Round Like the Earth exhibition at the Mitterrand Gallery in Paris (October–December 2024) also drew attention, with approximately 30 works from across his career on display. These exhibitions emphasize the political, cultural, and social issues Matta engaged with throughout his life, reflected in his dynamic cosmic landscapes and charged imagery. His works, particularly those from the 1940s and 1950s, are sought after for their powerful visual language that combines human and cosmic forces.
In the art market, Matta's pieces continue to perform strongly. His 1959 etching Paroles Peintes sold at Christie's in November 2024, further cementing his position as a prized artist for collectors. His works remain highly sought after, with his paintings and works on paper regularly featured in major art auctions and galleries worldwide. Collectors and investors continue to view Matta's works as valuable assets, with pieces held in prestigious collections such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and Tate Modern in London.
Known for his exploration of the intersection between human consciousness and cosmic energy, Matta's works remain an important reference point for those interested in the fusion of surrealism, abstract expressionism, and political art. His ability to create visionary landscapes that speak to both personal and universal themes makes his art highly collectible. As his centennial year unfolds, Roberto Matta's legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and collectors, ensuring his place as one of the most significant artists of the 20th century.
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Roberto Matta
Painting - 102 x 98 x 2 cm Painting - 40.2 x 38.6 x 0.8 inch
$95,913







Roberto Matta
Fine Art Drawings - 76 x 78 cm Fine Art Drawings - 29.9 x 30.7 inch
$10,790



Roberto Matta
Print - 67.3 x 50.8 cm Print - 26.5 x 20 inch
$2,500

Roberto Matta
Print - 67.3 x 50.8 cm Print - 26.5 x 20 inch
$2,500


Roberto Matta
Print - 67.3 x 50.8 cm Print - 26.5 x 20 inch
$2,500

Roberto Matta
Print - 52.1 x 66 cm Print - 20.5 x 26 inch
$1,500


Roberto Matta
Print - 66 x 50.8 cm Print - 26 x 20 inch
$2,500








Roberto Matta
Print - 41.3 x 52.1 x 0.3 cm Print - 16.25 x 20.5 x 0.1 inch
$2,500


Roberto Matta
Print - 66 x 50.8 cm Print - 26 x 20 inch
$4,750

Roberto Matta
Print - 66 x 50.8 cm Print - 26 x 20 inch
$2,500




Roberto Matta
Print - 66 x 50.8 cm Print - 26 x 20 inch
$3,850

Roberto Matta
Print - 67 x 51 x 0.1 cm Print - 26.4 x 20.1 x 0 inch
$2,158



Roberto Matta
Print - 66 x 247.7 cm Print - 26 x 97.5 inch
$12,000

Roberto Matta
Print - 132.1 x 203.2 cm Print - 52 x 80 inch
$12,000


Roberto Matta
Print - 52 x 66 x 0.2 cm Print - 20.5 x 26 x 0.1 inch
$1,439


Roberto Matta
Print - 92.7 x 157.5 x 0.3 cm Print - 36.5 x 62 x 0.1 inch
$12,000


Roberto Matta
Print - 67.3 x 50.8 cm Print - 26.5 x 20 inch
$3,000



Roberto Matta
Fine Art Drawings - 50 x 65 x 0.1 cm Fine Art Drawings - 19.7 x 25.6 x 0 inch
$6,594


Roberto Matta
Fine Art Drawings - 65 x 50 x 0.2 cm Fine Art Drawings - 25.6 x 19.7 x 0.1 inch
$19,183





Roberto Matta
Fine Art Drawings - 12.2 x 18.5 x 0.2 cm Fine Art Drawings - 4.8 x 7.3 x 0.1 inch
$7,074

Roberto Matta
Fine Art Drawings - 50 x 50 cm Fine Art Drawings - 19.7 x 19.7 inch
$10,790

Roberto Matta
Print - 66 x 50.8 cm Print - 26 x 20 inch
$2,500




Roberto Matta
Print - 66 x 50.8 cm Print - 26 x 20 inch
$2,500

Roberto Matta
Print - 66 x 50.8 cm Print - 26 x 20 inch
$2,500
Studio of Roberto Matta
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Roberto Matta is known for his surrealist paintings that explore subconscious landscapes and cosmic visions. His work bridges European Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism, influencing postwar art movements.
The current market value of Matta's paintings typically ranges from $100,000 to over $2 million, depending on size, period, and provenance. Major artworks from the 1940s and 1950s often achieve the highest prices at auction.
Roberto Matta received the Praemium Imperiale for Painting in 1990, one of the most prestigious international art awards. He was also honored with the National Prize for Plastic Arts in Chile in 1990.
Roberto Matta was involved with leftist political movements, notably supporting the Chilean socialist cause and Salvador Allende. His art often reflected his political engagement, addressing themes of oppression and social change.