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Showing posts from May, 2025

Island of the Silent Hunter

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In this abstract composition, the form of a shark emerges from the island itself—a compelling fusion of nature’s opposing forces. The painting evokes a surreal landscape where the outline of a shark, usually a symbol of ferocity and primal energy, takes on the tranquil hues and contours of a peaceful island surrounded by calm waters. The interplay of bold shapes and subtle coloration invites the viewer to reflect on how strength does not preclude stillness, and how even the most formidable forms can cradle a sense of serenity. This symbolic coexistence suggests an inner balance—of nature, of self, of life.

Life is a Proverb

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Title: Life Is a Proverb Medium: Acrylic on canvas Size: 24" x 18" Artist: Matthew Medupin This abstract composition draws from the proverb-inspired reflection that while we share a common existence, our destinies unfold differently . Using spontaneous brushwork, layered textures, and contrasting tones, the artist invites viewers to consider life as a proverb — open to interpretation, full of hidden meanings, and shaped by individual experience. Each line is a path, each colour a life, and each space a silence between stories. No two journeys are the same — yet they all belong to the human tale.

Echoes of a Vanished Path

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In Echoes of a Vanished Path, the viewer is drawn into a misty, dreamlike landscape where memory and imagination converge. Wisps of white veil the scene like time’s gentle erasure, partially revealing slender trees and a quiet passage that seems to fade into the unknown. The sparse colour palette—muted browns, blacks, and greys—evokes a mood of introspection and nostalgia. The painting captures not just a physical landscape, but an emotional terrain shaped by distance, silence, and the haunting beauty of forgotten places. It is a tribute to the transient nature of existence and the subtle traces we leave behind.

When the Sky Broke Open

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This abstract expressionist work captures the explosive tension between two realms: a fiery, turbulent sky and an electric, rain-soaked earth. The upper half is a tempest of swirling colour—reds, greens, blues, yellows—merging and colliding like a cosmic storm. The sky appears to boil with energy, as if on the edge of collapse. Below, the land is a chaotic forest of vertical streaks, dark and bright lines intertwining, like wild grasses trembling under the storm's force or reflections in a shattered mirror. The black band in the middle cleaves sky and earth, like a rupture in reality, suggesting a moment of transformation or chaos suspended in time.

Solitude Beneath the Mountain Skies

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This abstract landscape painted on a 12 x 16" deep edged canvas captures a quiet, almost dreamlike moment where a solitary, weathered house stands tucked beneath brooding mountains and a richly textured sky. The vibrant yellow-green foreground contrasts with the muted tones of the house and the misty mountain backdrop, while white-blossomed trees add an ethereal rhythm to the composition. A single tall tree in the foreground serves as a sentinel, grounding the viewer in the scene. The vivid red door becomes a focal point—inviting curiosity and evoking themes of mystery, memory, and refuge.

Voices in the Storm

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“Voices in the Storm” is an abstract expression of emotional turbulence and conflicting energies. The piece is built on a foundation of bold contrasts—blazing red, somber black, cooling blue, and stark white—each colour representing a different force at play: passion, resistance, clarity, and reflection. The central black-and-white forms emerge like fragmented figures or echoes of thought, caught in a swirl of movement and emotion. The red sweeps through the canvas like a disruptive force, while the blue anchors the composition, hinting at resilience beneath chaos. This work invites the viewer to confront the noise within and seek meaning in the fragments.   

Moonlight Ritual

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Mixed media on hexagonal canvas In this dynamic and textured composition, figures emerge in rhythmic motion beneath a radiant moon. Bold impasto strokes in red, white, and earthy tones evoke a ceremonial dance—timeless and universal. The swirling forms suggest both physical movement and spiritual presence, as if the dancers are communing with unseen forces. A luminous sky and fiery ground complete the interplay of light and energy, anchoring the viewer in a moment of sacred transformation. This piece invites reflection on ritual as a bridge between the earthly and the celestial—a celebration of unity, spirit, and ancestral echoes under the watchful eye of the moon.

Whispers of a Wandering Mind

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This abstract composition emerges like a dreamscape forged in the subconscious—where thought and emotion roam untethered. Layers of scattered forms, fleeting lines, and subtle contrasts evoke a sense of restless inner dialogue. It is as if the mind has tipped over, spilling impressions from memory, imagination, and feeling into a visual stream of consciousness. The painting resists logic, embracing the beauty of uncertainty and the poetry of intuitive expression. Each mark is a whisper, each space a pause—a glimpse into the quiet chaos of creativity born from nowhere, yet resonating everywhere.

The Ascent of Truth

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In this evocative painting inspired by the legend of Truth and Lie, a winding path divides a world engulfed in darkness from one ablaze with light. On the left, deep blues and blacks suggest a realm of deception, confusion, and forgotten souls—possibly representing those lost to lies or trapped in ignorance. From this gloom, two central figures emerge: one wrapped in white (Truth), and the other in red-brown (Lie). They seem bound together on the same path, perhaps echoing how both truth and falsehood often travel together in life. The hill ahead rises into a bright, golden realm where a radiant palace—or perhaps a symbol of enlightenment, purity, or ultimate truth—stands tall. The figures appear to journey toward this destination, where crowds gather in joyous welcome or judgment. The red and gold landscape on the right side glows with warmth, hope, and revelation, in stark contrast to the cold darkness they leave behind. The composition suggests a spiritual or moral pil...

Whispers of the Ancient Earth

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"Whispers of the Ancient Earth” is an abstract exploration of nature’s deep and silent voice. Painted on an 16" x 20" canvas board, the work uses swirling, layered strokes in shades of brown, black, and muted ochre to create a textured landscape that speaks of weathered rocks, windswept sands, and timeworn paths. The dark accents and flowing forms evoke the hidden histories buried beneath the surface—both geological and emotional—inviting the viewer to listen to the quiet stories the earth might tell if we paused to hear them.

Forest Ablaze with Life

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In this bold impressionistic composition, towering vertical forms rise like flames in a vibrant woodland alive with colour. The fiery oranges and reds suggest the heat and spirit of autumn, while dense greens and textured backgrounds evoke a layered forest in motion. Abstracted tree trunks stand like sentinels of change, grounded in a bed of earthy hues and reaching toward a serene cobalt sky. Above, dark silhouettes of distant mountains hint at nature’s eternal presence, even in transition. The piece invites the viewer to wander through a forest where time,colour, and emotion dance together in harmony.

Celestial Currents

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This circular painting evokes the swirling, banded atmosphere of a distant gas giant, reminiscent of Jupiter with its iconic stripes. The warm coppery browns and cool sky blues create a rhythmic motion that feels both cosmic and terrestrial, blurring the line between planetary science and artistic abstraction. The brushwork suggests movement, as if vast currents of energy and matter are flowing across a celestial body, inviting the viewer to contemplate the powerful forces shaping the universe. The round canvas enhances the planetary impression, reinforcing the sense of orbit, rotation, and the eternal dance of celestial bodies.

Whispers in the Wildflowers

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              Whispers in the Wildflowers This vibrant abstract painting captures a moment of quiet connection between two figures immersed in a wildflower meadow bursting with life. Bold strokes of yellow, red, and white blossoms rise from lush green undergrowth, creating a rich tapestry of colour and texture. The deep blue sky above, dotted with flying birds, adds a sense of openness and movement. The two shadowy forms, gently blending into the scene, suggest a peaceful journey or shared solitude, inviting viewers to lose themselves in the healing embrace of nature and the quiet stories it tells.

Bridge Burner

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Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Size: 18" x 14" Year: 2025 Artist: Matthew Medupin Artist Statement: This painting is a visual commentary on political hypocrisy, inspired by members of the U.S. government under Donald Trump who benefited from immigration and social systems they later sought to dismantle for others. Two arched bridges stretch across a symbolic sea — one populated by hopeful, silhouetted figures representing new immigrants, the other occupied by a solitary figure walking away, embodying power and disconnection. At the centre, the bridge is violently engulfed in flames and smoke, symbolising the deliberate destruction of access, opportunity, and memory. The boats beneath — floating in the serene blue — signify dreams now out of reach, severed by an act of betrayal. Bridge Burner challenges the viewer to reflect on the moral consequences of pulling up the ladder after climbing it, and questions the integrity of leadership that forgets its roots.

The Eyes and Ears of Ogidi

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                       Ayọnrọ Mountain  In this textured impressionist painting, Ayọnrọ Mountain rises not just as a natural formation, but as a living monument of memory and mysticism. Set against a swirling sky, the mountain is depicted with human features—piercing eyes, a solemn nose, and attentive ears—transforming it into a sentient being that watches over the village of Ogidi, Nigeria. This sacred edifice, rich in folklore, is portrayed as the guardian and chronicler of the community—a silent witness to generations of lives unfolding at its feet. From the first footsteps of a migrant from Ile Ifẹ to the rhythms of births, deaths, and daily life, Ayọnrọ Mountain has borne witness to it all. In this interpretation, the mountain is more than stone and soil; it is the living archive of Ogidi’s soul, an encyclopedia carved by time, memory, and tradition. Trees sprouting from and around its face symbolise li...

Suspended Roots

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                      Suspended Roots  This painting is an attempt at a symbolic reflection on the enduring struggle between Nigeria’s political elites and the impoverished masses. At its centre stands a tree — representing the people — suspended precariously above the ground, its roots hanging without anchor. Though some branches carry leaves of hope, others are bare, revealing the harsh reality of life under systemic manipulation. The green land beneath the tree subtly forms the map of Nigeria , suggesting that the struggle is deeply embedded in the nation’s structure. To the left, blood-red hills marked with crosses evoke the suffering and sacrifices of the oppressed. On the right, dark, ashen terrain reflects the paralysing fear and uncertainty enforced by elite control. Above, a turbulent sky of fiery red and blinding yellow represents the chaos and false promises that loom over the nation. The painting speak...

Brushstrokes Back Home: My 5th Public Art Exhibition Returns to Where It All Began

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If you missed my first, second, third, or fourth public art exhibition, I hope you won’t miss this one! I’m delighted to announce that my 5th public exhibition will take place at Forest Hill Library —the very place where this journey began in December 2023. This special exhibition will feature a carefully curated selection of my latest paintings. I warmly invite you to come and experience them in person. Exhibition Dates and Times: Thursday, 28 August 2025 – 12:00 AM to 4:00 PM Friday, 29 August 2025 – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM This early notice is intentional—so you can mark your diary and make plans to attend. Thank you all for your continued support. I look forward to seeing you there.

Echoes of Fire and Ash

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                   Echoes of Fire and Ash An Artistic Reflection on My Life’s Resilience Life has a way of testing us—not once, not twice, but in waves that rise unexpectedly, sometimes violently, like fire leaping into the calm of the day. "Echoes of Fire and Ash" is not just a painting; it is a mirror of my soul, layered with memories of pain, determination, and growth. The fierce red tones in the composition symbolise the heat of personal trials—moments when I was scorched by disappointment, loss, or uncertainty. The deep blacks speak to the shadows I’ve walked through, times when clarity seemed distant and hope, elusive. Yet, amid the storm of colours, there is white—bold and persistent. These patches are not merely spaces of relief; they are the rebirth, the light of regained strength, of wisdom earned, and of emerging anew. Like ashes that follow fire, they may appear fragile, but they speak of what has endured. Ove...

Whispers of the Midnight Current

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This abstract expressionist piece captures the mysterious energy of a nocturnal seascape or sky, where streaks of turquoise, yellow, and red emerge like fleeting thoughts across a dense black backdrop. The fluid, almost stormy brushstrokes evoke the sense of a restless night—perhaps a moonless sea stirred by unseen tides or a cosmic void scattered with pulses of life. The contrast of light and dark hints at a dynamic tension between chaos and serenity, presence and absence.

Burning Earth, Distant Sky

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This abstract composition captures a raw, emotional landscape where intense bands of colour evoke a planet in turmoil. The deep green foreground suggests earth or vegetation, transitioning sharply into a central band of searing red, hinting at fire, conflict, or transformation. Above it, a sweeping layer of black and white chaos divides the earth from a tranquil blue sky, symbolising the divide between turmoil and peace—or perhaps a longing for clarity beyond destruction. The work is both elemental and expressive, evoking the fragility of our natural world in flux.

Smothered Radiance

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In Smothered Radiance , I explore the fragile coexistence of chaos and order through clashing colours and gestural abstraction. The vibrant hues beneath the dense black strokes represent life, light, and expression—persisting but overwhelmed, like voices struggling to be heard through noise or truth hidden behind confusion. This work reflects a personal and universal tension: the desire for clarity in a world clouded by disorder, the resilience of beauty even when it's suppressed. Though dark elements dominate the surface, the light beneath remains defiant—a reminder that even in turbulent times, radiance survives, though sometimes unseen.

Being 75

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My work reflects a life philosophy: it’s not about how many years I’ve lived, but about how much life I’ve poured into those years. Each painting is a testament to making the years count—infusing each moment with purpose, creativity, and meaning, rather than merely marking time.

Whispers at Sunset Grove

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This evocative abstract landscape captures a dramatic sunset sky ablaze with fiery reds and burnt orange, streaked with white and yellow to suggest swirling winds or celestial movement. Framed by two bold palm trees, the composition draws the eye toward a glowing white burst at the horizon—possibly a symbolic sun or spiritual awakening over calm waters. Below, a vibrant field of wildflowers—dotted with red, white, and green—spreads out in jubilant bloom. Dark forest silhouettes on either side frame the central path, hinting at a journey from earthly beauty to ethereal light. The painting blends raw energy with contemplative calm, inviting reflection on nature's transitions and hidden messages.

From Ruins to Renewal: The Legacy of Learning

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These two paintings powerfully convey a narrative of ruin, transformation, and continuity. The top painting, one of my earliest works, though modest in execution, depicts a dilapidated block of three classrooms. The structure appears weathered, with a broken roof, visible cracks, and missing sections. Tall trees loom over the scene, suggesting nature’s slow reclamation of the space. Damaged blue doors and windows, along with fallen logs in the foreground, evoke a sense of abandonment and decay. The overall atmosphere speaks of memory, loss, and the passage of time. In contrast, the bottom painting presents a modernised version of the same structure, now rebuilt. The walls are neatly plastered and painted, the roof is intact, and the classroom doors and windows are fully restored. The scene is brighter and more orderly, with a row of trees in the background hinting at both continuity and growth. This version symbolises renewal, progress, and the enduring importance of educa...

Horizons in Flux

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Where sea and sky collide in restless rhythm, Colours shift like memories stirred by wind- A crimson blaze, a quiet blue, a storm of grey- Each horizon whispers of change, Of moments caught between light and fading, Between the calm and the wild unknown. In these abstract echoes of land and water, We glimpse the truth: The world is always becoming.

Inferno Over the Silent Tide

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This painting evokes a powerful, moody atmosphere with the turbulent sky, the fiery horizon, and the dynamic, almost stormy sea. It captures both the dramatic intensity of the sky and the contrast with the subdued, flowing sea.

Cradle Beneath the Stars: Christmas Crib Horizons

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This collection of six impressionistic skies captures the sacred serenity and awe of the night heralding Christ’s birth. Each painting evokes a different emotional tone—from quiet anticipation to radiant wonder—while maintaining a common visual motif: a modest stable under a celestial sky. The warm, glowing sunsets and starlit heavens serve as symbolic backdrops to the nativity scene, reminding us of the divine mystery enveloping the humble manger. Rich in colour and texture, these works reflect the transition from day to night, paralleling the spiritual passage from expectation to fulfillment.  

Harmony in Contrasts

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These two artworks, painted on opposite sides of a single A5 sheet, 'Awakening Horizon' and 'Whispers of the Tide' embody the essence of duality—distinct in texture, colour, and form, yet bound by a shared rhythm. Like the diversity within the human race, their differences do not divide but deepen their connection. One speaks of sunrise, the other of the tide—each a unique expression, yet both part of the same eternal dance of nature. Together, they remind us that unity is not found in sameness, but in the harmony of contrasts.

Skyward from the Garden

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Inspired by a real photograph taken from the artist's garden during a summer afternoon, this painting offers a grounded yet expansive view of the sky. Framed by textured rooftops, leafy greenery, and an angular fence, the deep blue sky swirls with luminous clouds and scattered birds in flight. The perspective draws the viewer's eye upward, evoking a moment of quiet reflection and connection to the openness above—an everyday view transformed into a contemplative visual journey. 

Awakening Horizon

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"Awakening Horizon," painted on A5 paper, was inspired by an inner awareness that each new day, month, or year brings the possibility of a fresh beginning, rebirth, and renewed hope—despite the many challenges of life in today’s world. After darkness comes light, a surge of positive energy, and a symbol of hope. The arc rising from the black foreground suggests a planet emerging from shadow into light, evoking both visual power and emotional depth. Happy new month—and especially meaningful for me, the month of my birth. You are warmly invited to interpret this piece in your own way.