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Les Oh! Tomobiles

Experience Roberto Matta's surreal black and white etching, Les Oh! Tomobiles, a dynamic vision of flying machines and modern life from the 20th century; discover this masterpiece today.

Explore the surreal world of Roberto Matta (1911-2002)! Discover his biomorphic art, Chilean heritage & influence on Abstract Expressionism. A 20th-century icon.

The artwork displayed on this page is protected by copyright law, which means we cannot legally create or sell an identical reproduction. This protection is enforced under international agreements such as the Berne Convention and by national laws, including those outlined by the U.S. Copyright Law - Title 17.

This method fully complies with copyright regulations because it does not involve copying or duplicating the protected artwork. Instead, it is a creative reinterpretation - a new painting that is influenced by the original but not identical to it.

Giclée / Art Print

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Total Price

$ 81

Les Oh! Tomobiles

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

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Total Price

$ 81

Quick Facts

  • Title: Les Oh! Tomobiles
  • Medium: Black and white etching
  • Artist: Roberto Matta
  • Movement: Surrealism

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What art movement is Roberto Matta closely associated with?
Question 2:
The artwork 'Les Oh! Tomobiles' is described as being executed in what medium?
Question 3:
In which city did Roberto Matta arrive in 1939, meeting Stanley William Hayter?
Question 4:
The subject matter of 'Les Oh! Tomobiles' primarily features:
Question 5:
What was the general theme explored by Roberto Matta's work, according to his biography?

A Surreal Journey Through Modern Movement

Roberto Matta’s "Les Oh! Tomobiles" immediately plunges the viewer into a dreamscape of mechanical whimsy and collective motion. This arresting black and white etching is not merely a depiction of objects in transit; it is a visual symphony capturing the restless energy of the mid-20th century, filtered through the profound lens of Surrealism. The composition itself feels like a captured moment from a feverish parade—a collision between the grounded reality of automobiles and the ethereal flight of makeshift aircraft. Matta masterfully juxtaposes these elements, forcing us to question what constitutes 'real' movement or structure in the modern psyche.

Technique and Textural Depth

The choice of etching as a medium lends an inherent graphic intensity to the work. In this monochromatic rendering, Matta utilizes the deep blacks and stark whites characteristic of printmaking to build incredible textural depth. One can almost feel the grit of the etched lines, the weight of the imagined cardboard wings, and the smooth, curved surfaces of the vehicles below. This technical brilliance allows the seemingly disparate elements—the people, the cars, the planes—to cohere within a single, vibrating plane. It is a testament to Matta’s skill in transforming complex visual narratives into a tangible, enduring print.

Symbolism of the Tomobiles

The title itself, "Les Oh! Tomobiles," hints at an almost childlike exclamation accompanying these strange contraptions. Symbolically, the piece speaks volumes about humanity's relationship with progress and technology. The automobiles suggest structured, predictable journeys—the established paths of society. Conversely, the paper-like airplanes evoke improvisation, sudden bursts of unburdened flight, or perhaps even the fragility of utopian ideals. Matta invites us to consider the tension between our engineered routines and our innate desire for soaring freedom. Are these 'tomobiles' a commentary on the over-mechanization of modern life, or are they simply joyful acknowledgments of human ingenuity?

Historical Echoes and Emotional Resonance

Created in 1972, this work carries the weight of post-war anxieties while retaining the visionary spirit nurtured during his formative years with Surrealist masters. Matta’s art has always been deeply psychological, exploring the subconscious landscape where logic dissolves. When viewing "Les Oh! Tomobiles," one doesn't just observe; one participates in a shared moment of bewildered wonder. It evokes a feeling—a potent blend of nostalgia for an imagined simpler time and the exhilarating vertigo of possibility. For collectors and designers alike, this piece offers more than mere decoration; it provides a focal point for contemplation, injecting intellectual dynamism into any space.

Questions & Answers

Which artist and which style stand behind "Les Oh! Tomobiles"?

Roberto Matta created "Les Oh! Tomobiles" within the Surrealism movement.

Which room is "Les Oh! Tomobiles" by Roberto Matta recommended for, given its colors?

With its neutrals palette, "Les Oh! Tomobiles" by Roberto Matta is recommended for a hotel lobby. The colors are part of the reason for this suggestion.

What color harmony does "Les Oh! Tomobiles" by Roberto Matta display?

The colors of "Les Oh! Tomobiles" by Roberto Matta show a balanced harmony harmony. Harmony describes how the colors relate to each other.


Artist Biography

Roberto Matta: A Surrealist Visionary

  • Born: November 11, 1911, Santiago, Chile
  • Died: March 23, 2002, Civitavecchia, Italy

Roberto Sebastián Antonio Matta Echaurren, known as Roberto Matta, was a Chilean painter and architect who significantly impacted abstract expressionism and surrealist art. His journey from architecture student to influential artist reflects a profound exploration of the subconscious mind and a unique artistic vision.

Early Life and Artistic Development

  • Education: Studied architecture at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, graduating in 1935.
  • European Influences: Travels to Europe exposed him to prominent artists like René Magritte, Salvador Dalí, André Breton, and Le Corbusier, shaping his artistic style.
  • Surrealist Engagement: Became a key figure within the Surrealist movement, embracing its exploration of dreams, the subconscious, and challenging conventional reality. His work was heavily influenced by Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theories.

Key Artistic Characteristics and Influences

  • Biomorphic Forms: Matta’s paintings are characterized by organic shapes and forms reminiscent of living organisms, a hallmark of his style.
  • Psychological Landscapes: His works often depict dreamlike landscapes that evoke psychological states and emotions.
  • Abstract Expressionism: While rooted in Surrealism, Matta's work significantly contributed to the development of Abstract Expressionism through its emphasis on gesture, color, and emotional expression. He collaborated with artists like Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock.
  • Modernismo Influence: His connection to the Modernismo art movement is evident in his use of Latin and Greek mythology and medieval verses.

Major Works and Political Engagement

  • Notable Paintings: Being with, Invasion of the Night, and Verbo América are among his most recognized works.
  • Mural "The First Goal of the Chilean People": A large-scale mural painted in 1973 was later covered by the military regime of Augusto Pinochet. It was rediscovered and restored in 2008, now displayed at La Granja City Hall. This work demonstrates his political engagement and commentary on social issues.
  • Ceramic Vessels: Matta also explored ceramic art, creating vessels with surrealist imagery and ancient motifs (as seen in "Senza titolo").

Legacy and Historical Significance

  • Influence on Subsequent Artists: Matta’s innovative use of color, form, and psychological themes inspired generations of artists.
  • Museum Recognition: His works are held in prestigious collections including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City and the Butler Institute of American Art.
  • Continued Relevance: Matta’s exploration of the subconscious mind, his blending of surrealism and abstraction, and his engagement with political themes continue to resonate with contemporary audiences.
Roberto Matta

Roberto Matta

1911 - 2002 , Chile

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Roberto Sebastián Antonio Matta Echaurren
  • Nationality: Chilean
  • Date Of Birth: 1911
  • Date Of Death: 2002
  • Place Of Birth: Santiago, Chile
  • Notable Artworks:
    • Being with
    • Invasion of the night
    • First goal of Chilean people
    • Snail’s Trace
    • Verbo América
  • Artistic Movement Or Style:
    • Surrealism
    • Abstract Expressionism
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
    • Sigmund Freud
    • André Breton
    • René Magritte
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Abstract Expressionism']
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