About The Artist

¬¬¬Artist Biography Matti Sirvio was born in Sotkamo, Finland in 1956. He studied line art there at Savonlinnan Taidelukio (Savonlinna Art College). Disillusioned by the art world, he forayed into humanitarian church work. He has traveled extensively, and has lived in Sweden, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and more recently in Istanbul, Turkey. He speaks several languages including his native Finnish, English, German, Russian, Turkish, and Hungarian. He is currently adding Arabic to the list. His work has drawn him across the globe from China through the Mediterranean, Egypt, and Morocco, as well as the United States and Canada. Upon moving to Istanbul, Turkey in 2006, he was inspired to paint again after a 20-year hiatus. He has been painting ever since, with a long list of solo exhibitions and public art events, such as Art Takes Manhattan and the Izmir Art Biennial. Matti has been a guest lecturer at the National Fine Arts College and the University of Sultan Qaboos University in Muscat Oman. It is no surprise to find that he can connect images from around the world that deeply touch our souls. His paintings speak with in an otherworldly voice that unites the many unspoken yearnings of the spirit. His style can be described as Semi-Abstract Expressionism. He is a colorist. His use of warm and cool colors, as well as strong symbols reflect influences from rural Finland--his childhood home, to his current adventures in Muscat, Oman. The tapestry of colors, cultures, hearts, and souls that have crossed his path are evident in his work and culminate in a joyful celebration for all who view them.