Abstract artist from Finland and proprietor of Matti Sirvio Art Galleria, Matti Sirvio is one of the few artists in Oman whose explicit works are on display throughout the year. This is your last chance to witness ‘Evenings’ – his latest solo exhibition – which wraps up on May 15

Matti Sirvio’s brush and palette never dry up… Seasons change, the populace moves across continents, and international events unfold and enthrall audiences the world over, but Matti’s creativity finds abstract expression on canvas in a thousand different forms all through the year.

Earthy tones of amber, rust, clay, crimson, burgundy, play together with white and beige, grey and green, in some of his most fascinating works, each of which has an intriguing title and an inspiration deeply set within the confluence of the hues complemented with a few meaningful inscriptions.

If you study them intently, they give away his intellect and his intent, his temperament as well as his tenacity to hold onto firm views and values. And, invariably, they leave you spellbound, yet unsatiated, and present you with an open invitation to come back for more at the very next offering.

This Finnish artist’s creative flair, his rapport with the art fraternity in the sultanate, and his ever-evolving conception of themes that give budding as well as established artists in Oman a platform to express themselves and showcase their work, are well known among Omani as well as international artists in the capital. But, what makes Matti tick is not merely his obsession with art or artists, rather the fact that art is the foundation of his very existence, without which, his persona would slip into oblivion in much the same way as some profound elements of his canvas would diffuse into obscurity if you view it without perception of a clear-cut context.

Abstract art was considered to be accepted and established in Finland in the 1960s when Sam Vanni’s monumental painting Contrapunctus (1959) won a competition for a mural in Helsinki. Before that, Finnish artists had looked towards foreign influence. Today, Finland’s contemporary art scene embraces everything from experimental artist-run initiatives and commercial galleries to flagship art institutions. And Matti’s initiatives are in line with Finnish contemporary art that has now become more diverse in cultural references and forms of expression.

‘Evenings’ – Matti’s current solo abstract exhibition at his gallery in Jawharat al Shatti – might appear, to some, as a filler between two proclaimed shows. Nevertheless, it showcases the entire gamut of the artist’s repertoire over the decades in one compact show. If you witness this exhibition, you come face to face with his versatility as an abstract artist and it makes one instantly conversant with his prowess with the brush.

Consider some of Matti Sirvio’s thought-provoking titles – ‘Quest for holiness’, ‘The night is coming when no one can work’, ‘He drew me out of many waters’, ‘You prepare a table before me’ which give away his preoccupations or the more somber ones like, ‘Evening Musings’, ‘Evening in Muscat’, which, though in keeping with the theme, scream for an all new collection.

All in all, every frame put up in this collection has a stand-alone factor that not only reflects Matti’s very own unique style but can also serve as a formidable backdrop for an illustrative lesson in abstract art.

A man of few words, though one with an affable, jolly disposition, Matti would not like to describe the essence of his work, if asked so, and would rather leave interpretations to the viewer. But to the discerning eye, the parameters of exploring Matti’s art are few – they speak to you the same language if you study them intently.

As  a popular Finnish saying goes, ‘Happiness does not come from happiness itself but from the journey towards achieving it.’ So, for a good measure of creative joy, get up, close, and personal with ‘Evenings’ before the curtains come down this weekend!

Bold, flashy, spiritual

Artists in Oman who have showcased their work alongside Matti’s over the past few years, say Matti’s art is loaded with spiritual depth, narrative ambiguity, and momentary emotions. Here’s what some seasoned artists in Oman said:

Matti’s style of abstract art blends gestural brushwork, muted colour palettes, and minimal line work to evoke emotional spiritual depth and narrative ambiguity, and invites viewers to interpret form and space in a deeply personal way.

Tarini Agarwal

Matti’s artworks are diaries and momentary emotions turned into works of art that are beyond restrictions and become a state that expresses abstract details of places where he is present – in which we see a reflection of his concepts

Saleem Sakhi

Matti Sirvio is an artist who uses bold, earthy colours, sometimes flashy, who creates a raw and captivating visual language.

Sheffy Tattarath

Matti has a minimalist style. His use of mostly whites and pastels helps bring to focus whatever he wishes to convey

Elizabeth Davis

Matti’s style combines colour field and geometric abstract expressionism and often invokes spiritual contemplation

Julia Jean Davies

I find Matti’s abstract style truly remarkable. I’m very familiar with his work and his approach to abstraction – I admire how he simplifies forms while still conveying incredibly powerful meanings. His paintings may seem simple at first glance but they carry profound depth. I can recognise his pieces instantly, even without seeing his signature. His work is truly impressive.

Majid al Amri