Artists directory

Oleg

Matveyev

Location: Forfar

Materials: Acrylic
Art has been a constant companion in my life since I first picked up a pencil at the age of twelve. What began as a childhood hobby in Moscow quickly became a lifelong passion—a way to process the world, capture fleeting moments, and express what words could not. In 2000, a well-known American company offered me the chance to relocate from Moscow to Scotland. This move was more than a change of scenery; it was the beginning of a new chapter in my artistic journey. Suddenly, I found myself immersed in the landscapes, ruins, and ever-changing light of Scotland—a place both ancient and alive, familiar yet foreign. My work naturally gravitated toward the theme of “Scotland through the eyes of a foreigner,” exploring the country’s beauty and history from my unique perspective. But in 2018, my world shifted again. A sudden retinal detachment in my left eye led to five operations over the next few years. Despite every effort, by 2021 I had lost the ability to see with that eye. The impact on my art was immediate and profound. I struggled with 3D orientation and found it nearly impossible to paint thin lines—an essential part of my previous technique. At first, I feared this might be the end of my painting. But art, like life, is about adaptation. After a period of experimentation and frustration, I discovered a new way to express myself: through dots. Pointillism, a technique I had admired but never fully explored, became my new language.

Previous Experience

2023-2025. Meffan Winter Show 2025. “The thread that pulls”. The National Galleries, Edinburgh

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