Pushing the Boundaries of Creative Expression

Neda Matian

I am Neda Matian, an artist who has been deeply touched by the enchanting world of art. It all began when I took my very first art class at the age of 11. From that moment, I was captivated by the power of drawing and painting. At first, I worked with oil colors on canvas, and it was a remarkable experience that instilled in me a sense of confidence and inspiration. I started with landscapes and real objects, but little did I know that I was stepping into a vast and extraordinary universe.

My thirst for knowledge and my passion for art were insatiable. Despite the constraints of my school schedule, I found solace in my art supplies. I would paint whenever and wherever I could. My bedroom became a sanctuary filled with canvases, and the aroma of oil colors permeated the air. Whether it was a piece of paper or a school blackboard, I was always eager to bring something to life through my drawings. I even found joy in teaching art to the children in my neighborhood during the summer.

In 2008, some friends approached me with a request for painting lessons. This marked a turning point in my artistic journey as I discovered the captivating world of acrylic colors. I held my first solo exhibition that year, and it opened up new possibilities for me. I was no longer interested in realism; the allure of acrylic colors and their vibrant nature had captured my heart. It was a transformative experience that pushed me to explore new artistic styles and express myself more freely.

In 2015, my son became intrigued by art, and I enrolled him in a creative art class. Witnessing his uninhibited use of acrylic colors and the artistic environment sparked my imagination and led me to explore abstract painting. It was a revelation. I realized that abstract art allowed me to break free from boundaries and conventions. With no rules or restrictions, I could express my emotions and thoughts purely through colors and shapes.

One day, I shared a moment of happiness on my personal Instagram account, and a friend replied with a profound statement. They said that when you feel comfortable and happy in an activity, you are a genius at it. That struck a chord within me. Regardless of my background in biology, teaching, or even cinema makeup artistry, it was in art that I felt truly alive and fulfilled. It was a realm where I fearlessly embraced failure and pursued my own unique path.

In 2017, I embarked on a new artistic endeavor by applying my art to shoes. The idea of hand-painting shoes intrigued me, and I started designing and painting each pair with love and dedication. To my surprise, my friends showed great interest in my designs, and this inspired me to create my own brand, matianDesign. Over the years, I have developed more than 100 unique designs, each reflecting my passion and artistic expression.

As I continued my artistic journey, I ventured into new territories, exploring different materials and techniques. I participated in group exhibitions and had the honor of live painting in front of a large audience at the prestigious Dubai World Art event. I was also invited to share my art experiences on local TV programs, where I had the opportunity to connect with a wider audience and discuss the transformative power of art.

In 2019, I enrolled in a professional calligraphy class, which added a new dimension to my art. Calligraphy became the missing piece in my abstract paintings, bringing words and letters to life and adding depth and meaning to my creations. The forms and geometric shapes of letters fascinated me, and I immersed myself in the world of calligraphy, constantly seeking to learn and grow.

Today, I am grateful for the journey that has brought me to where I stand now. It is a testament to the immense love and perseverance that I have for art. My mission as an artist is to create change, to bring beauty into the world, and to leave a lasting mark through my creations. With each stroke of the brush, I invite others to join me on this artistic odyssey, where the possibilities are boundless and the power of self-expression knows no limits.

media portfolio

my interview with bestaddress magazine

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.

Thomas Merton

Graphic design

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

Art direction

Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.

Brand strategy

Every artist has a thousand bad drawings in them, and the only way to get rid of them is to draw them out.