James Mathison was born in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1966. Although he began studying law, his true passion led him to art, honing his skills in London. He has worked in Caracas and Paris, and now lives in Madrid, where he has his studio.
Mathison focuses on the relationship between the human body and spirit. His sculptures of human anatomy go beyond physical form, reflecting on existence, time, and identity. Many of his works are fragmented or divided, symbolizing the idea that humanity is constantly searching for fulfillment.
Mathison’s sculptures capture moments of introspection, conveying the sensation that time stands still to allow reflection on our own existence. The textures, cracks, and hollows in his pieces reflect both the passage of time and the complexity of human emotions, from vulnerability to strength.
The nudity in his works goes beyond physical beauty and reveals the fragility of human beings. Mathison uses the body as a mirror of the soul, with each mark on his sculptures telling a story about the life and experiences that define us.
Adding poetry and phrases to his sculptures goes beyond decoration. For Mathison, the phrases and poems in his sculptures help express ideas and feelings that cannot always be conveyed through sculpture alone. This approach allows viewers to connect more deeply with the message of the work and reflect on themes such as existence and identity.
His pieces blend the physical with the emotional, inviting us to consider our own humanity and find meaning in life’s contradictions.
If Mathison’s work caught your attention and you want to learn more about his creative process, we recommend watching the following video:
