My name is Matthew Aceves,

Iā€™m from Los Angeles, California. My artwork explores the human experience through the lens of solitude and longing, while utilizing animals as symbols of comfort and connection. A full immersion in a tranquil environment invites viewers to discover its nuances and embrace every aspect of what it has to offer. By incorporating animals into my paintings, I aim to evoke warmth and loyalty, inviting viewers to reflect on their own emotions and perspectives. Through my work, I seek to provoke discussion and foster a deeper understanding of the human-animal bond and its role in navigating isolation. I take inspiration from Bible verses, childhood songs, a variety of sources such as literature, psychology, and nature. The experience of solitude intertwined with nature's company. When we observe carefully, we can appreciate how intricate and interconnected the environment is. I create works that encourage this dialogue and contemplation, by expressing these inner reflections.


Education

2020-2024 ArtCenter College of Design

Recent Shows

2023 ArtCenter College of Design, Pasadena, CA


2023 Palos Verdes Art Center, Palos Verdes, CA


2023 Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento, CA


2023 TNBT23, Camarillo, CA


2023 Tag Gallery, Wilshire, CA


2023 HeyThereProjects, Joshua Tree, CA


2022 Children's Institute permanent collection, Compton, CA

Awards/Honors

2023 Finalist, Martha's Vineyard Drawing Prize


2023 Honorable mention, Graphis New Talent Annual


2023 Honorable mention, Teraverna2023


2023 Winner, NY Student Scholarship Competition


2023 Permanent collection, American Illustration-American Photography


2023 2023 Longlisted, Association of Illustrators