Roberto Matta
  • Biography
  • Artworks
  • Studio
  • Exhibitions
  • Movements

Roberto Matta

Chile • 1911 - 2002  74 followers

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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Painting, Les travailleurs de la mère, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Painting - 102 x 98 x 2 cm Painting - 40.2 x 38.6 x 0.8 inch

$95,913

Fine Art Drawings, Dessin 1, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Fine Art Drawings - 50 x 65 cm Fine Art Drawings - 19.7 x 25.6 inch

$9,591

Sculpture, Bag with Wings, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Sculpture - 94 x 137 x 64 cm Sculpture - 37 x 53.9 x 25.2 inch

$34,769

Print, Grécité, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 21 x 11.8 x 0.1 cm Print - 8.3 x 4.6 x 0 inch

$599

Print, Le Enfe, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 63 x 90 x 0.2 cm Print - 24.8 x 35.4 x 0.1 inch

$1,439

Print, Les mademoiselles, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 48 x 65.5 x 0.2 cm Print - 18.9 x 25.8 x 0.1 inch

$1,439

Fine Art Drawings, Foot Musik, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Fine Art Drawings - 76 x 78 cm Fine Art Drawings - 29.9 x 30.7 inch

$10,790

Print, Untitled, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 43.5 x 31.5 x 0.2 cm Print - 17.1 x 12.4 x 0.1 inch

$1,559

Print, Espace de l'Espece, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 55.9 x 76.2 x 0.3 cm Print - 22 x 30 x 0.1 inch

$1,600

Print, Hom'mere IV - 1, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 66 x 50.8 cm Print - 26 x 20 inch

$2,500

Print, L’eau est Mana, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 66 x 101.6 cm Print - 26 x 40 inch

$1,500

Print, Va-Riante, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 67.3 x 52.1 cm Print - 26.5 x 20.5 inch

$2,500

Print, Les Venusiennes, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 47 x 65 x 0.5 cm Print - 18.5 x 25.6 x 0.2 inch

$839

Print, La Dulce Aqua Vita, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 119.38 x 104.14 x 2.54 cm Print - 47 x 41 x 1 inch

$10,950

Print, Cosmicstrip III, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 37.5 x 48.9 x 0.3 cm Print - 14.75 x 19.25 x 0.1 inch

$2,500

Print, Cosmicstrip I, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 37.5 x 48.9 x 0.3 cm Print - 14.75 x 19.25 x 0.1 inch

$2,500

Print, Comique Trippe XVI, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 41.3 x 52.1 x 0.3 cm Print - 16.25 x 20.5 x 0.1 inch

$2,500

Print, Cosmicstrip IV, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 37.5 x 48.9 x 0.3 cm Print - 14.75 x 19.25 x 0.1 inch

$2,500

Print, Hom'mere III - L'Ergonaute, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 67 x 51 x 0.1 cm Print - 26.4 x 20.1 x 0 inch

$2,158

Print, Untitled, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 20 x 11 cm Print - 7.9 x 4.3 inch

$1,319

Print, Château situationniste, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 54 x 75 cm Print - 21.3 x 29.5 inch

$1,439

Print, Passage et Sage du Couple, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 34 x 44 cm Print - 13.4 x 17.3 inch

$2,997

Print, Had a Great Fall, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 50 x 66 x 0.2 cm Print - 19.7 x 26 x 0.1 inch

$1,439

Print, La Dulce Aqua Vita, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 121.9 x 104.1 x 0.3 cm Print - 48 x 41 x 0.1 inch

$10,463

Fine Art Drawings, Composition, Roberto Matta

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

Fine Art Drawings, Dessin 1, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Fine Art Drawings - 50 x 65 cm Fine Art Drawings - 19.7 x 25.6 inch

$9,591

Fine Art Drawings, L’œil du chant, Roberto Matta

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

Print, Sans Titre, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 55.9 x 75.6 cm Print - 22 x 29.75 inch

$7,500

Print, The Eld of the World, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 121.9 x 104.1 cm Print - 48 x 41 inch

$18,000

Print, 8 a.m., Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 55.9 x 73.7 cm Print - 22 x 29 inch

$3,000

Fine Art Drawings, Untitled, Roberto Matta

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

Fine Art Drawings, Foot Musik, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Fine Art Drawings - 50 x 50 cm Fine Art Drawings - 19.7 x 19.7 inch

$10,790

Print, Untitled, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 20 x 11 cm Print - 7.9 x 4.3 inch

$1,319

Print, Untitled (1), Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 16.5 x 8.5 x 2 cm Print - 6.5 x 3.3 x 0.8 inch

$2,158

Print, Untitled, Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

Print - 17 x 8.5 x 2 cm Print - 6.7 x 3.3 x 0.8 inch

$2,158

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What is Roberto Matta known for?

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.

What is the current market value of Matta's paintings?

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.

Did Roberto Matta win any awards?

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.

Was Matta involved in any political movements?

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.