Abstract Art and Fine Art Artist: Erasto Curtis Matthews
"I create because it allows me to exercise the God in me"
About Me
Bio
Artist Statement
Artist Statement
Born in Reading, Pennsylvania and raised in East Orange, New Jersey, Erasto Curtis Matthews moved to the Washington DC area over 30 years ago as a student at Howard University. He began exploring his artistic talents as a teenager by drawing portraits of friends, family and his favorite musicians. Self-taught, he began painting later in l
Born in Reading, Pennsylvania and raised in East Orange, New Jersey, Erasto Curtis Matthews moved to the Washington DC area over 30 years ago as a student at Howard University. He began exploring his artistic talents as a teenager by drawing portraits of friends, family and his favorite musicians. Self-taught, he began painting later in life and his unique abstraction-based style is heavily influenced by elements of African culture and African American life. His work is grounded in vibrant color combinations and unique otherworldly settings. Erasto’s work has appeared in the pages of the Washington Post (2/4/2022). He is currently showing his work at the Barn Gallery at Wellspring Manor in an ongoing exhibit that started in 2018. He has exhibited his work at The DC Black Theater and Arts Festival, Neiman Marcus/Black Art Today "Kuumba" Exhibition, The Lake Arbor Jazz Festival, Wolfgang Puck's Sunset Room, National Harbor, Gateway Arts Center's 39th Street Gallery, Brentwood Maryland, Friendship Gallery Chevy Chase MD, Artomatic DC, DC Art All Night, Athenaeum Gallery's "Speak Your Truth - Black Lives Matter" Exhibition, Wheaton Arts Parade Gallery "Celebration" Exhibition, Bowie Maryland City Hall and Busboys and Poets Anacostia. Erasto also has work at Serengeti Gallery, Capitol Heights Maryland.
Artist Statement
Artist Statement
Artist Statement
I am inspired by the Sun and what it does to things from an artistic perspective. I love the beauty of nature and the beauty of people. I am interested in the world community and all the inspiration that it has to offer.
With each piece of Art I create, my goal is to open a window to the imagination. In my abstract pieces, I want peop
I am inspired by the Sun and what it does to things from an artistic perspective. I love the beauty of nature and the beauty of people. I am interested in the world community and all the inspiration that it has to offer.
With each piece of Art I create, my goal is to open a window to the imagination. In my abstract pieces, I want people to see something new each day. I believe my art is the doorway to a conversation between the spirit and the elemental self.
Commissions
Artist Statement
Commissions
Contact me to discuss your special project. Prices vary depending on the size.
Upcoming Event
Black Art: In the Presence of Light
05/03/2023 - 05/29/2023
Catch the work of Erasto Curtis Matthews as a part of the "Black Art, In the Presence of Light" Exhibition
This exhibit represents a body of work designed to enLIGHTen the mainstream to understand that the label of “Black American Art” isn’t itself a form of self-imposed isolation but that of self-awareness and preservation of culture. As David Driskell eloquently stated “Isolation isn’t, and never was, the Black artist’s goal. He has tried to be part and parcel of the mainstream, only to be shut out.”
This exhibit is partially funded by MSAC
Opening Reception:
Sunday May 7, 2023, 2pm - 5pm.
Gallery B
7700 Wisconsin Ave Suite E.
Bethesda, MD 20814
