Bio
Matteo Neivert grew up an hour north of New York City where he developed an early fascination with the mysteries of nature reflected in fine art. His earliest memories are trips to the city with his grandfather to see exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the gardens at The Cloisters Museum, fossils at the Museum of Natural History and shows at the planetarium. Matteo’s mother was constantly making art for her BFA degree while raising a family. Matteo would often make his own versions of her art projects. These experiences formed the basis for Neivert’s interests, earliest art education and introduction to techniques, styles and art history.
From childhood through his teenage years Matteo was taken under the wing of New York painter and printmaker Myril Adler, also a visiting artist at the Pratt Institute. He eventually became her assistant. While studying at Alfred University, Matteo became influenced by the equine sculptures of his ceramics professor, Jean-Pierre Laroque.
Mr. Neivert eventually settled in New Orleans after obtaining his MFA from Tulane University. Artistically unfazed after Hurricane Katrina destroyed his home and studio, Matteo had a solo exhibition at Soren Christensen Gallery and was offered an artists residency at the Exploratorium Museum in San Francisco, CA. At the museum, Matteo teamed up with scientist Wayne Lanier who studied bacteria. He also met with animator, Stephanie Maxwell. Influenced by her work he created a direct cinema animated film about detachment, entitled ‘Closer to the Moon‘. Much of Matteo Neivert’s recent work explores the Biophilia Hypothesis.
Neivert holds a BFA from Alfred University, and a MFA from Tulane University. Matteo also studied painting, film, voice, and Renaissance literature at SACI, in Florence, Italy. He has taught professionally at Tulane University, Jacksonville University, the San Francisco Art Institute, and Escuela Cervantes. He has also held the position of Art Director for Maloney Productions. Matteo Neivert exhibits nationally and has works in private and public collections all over the world. Matteo currently lives and works in New Orleans where the balmy tropical climate and lush environs influence his work.
Artist Statement
My artwork explores the powerful forces of nature and biology in real and imaginary compositions. A consistent thread in my work is the idea of change and evolution. Nature exists as an ultimate force. These forces can be subtle or overt and exist as both scientific and phenomenological in my work. I attempt to capture the magic of these forces and the relationship of the human condition to these ever changing environments. Many of my subjects are often meant as historical symbols of the eroding relationship between humans and nature.
Fragility and strength act as common themes. Interest in the scientific realms such as evolution, tides, gravity, growth, formation, replication, microbiology, physics, astronomy, and climatology converges in my work with plants, animals, and landscapes. I approach imagery and composition with a keen awareness of historical precedent. Recently my artwork has become more figurative and realistic to emphasize the narrative, theatrical, and beautiful aspects of simple objects and things such as ice, water, rocks, eggs, and shells. I am inspired by the boundless fodder that the earth, the universe, and the microscopic offer as imagery.
Value, color, mark making, lighting, texture, and careful compositions merge with my materials. In my drawings I show the charcoal and pencil as a material, and the pentimento, erasures, smudges, and lines are just as integral as the image itself. In my paintings I often use visible brushwork, drips, splatters, texture, impasto, and glazes to enrich the surface. In my ceramic work I use glazes that imitate a surface that looks as if the sculpture was buried or had a crackled painted surface. To achieve this finish I mix various textured glazes and use multiple kiln firings. There is a constant dialogue between my paintings, drawings, and sculptures of ideas, subject matter, and surfaces.
RESUME
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2021 Flora Fauna, James May Gallery, Milwaukee, WI.
2020 Dreamlight, The Nave Museum, Victoria, TX (pandemic postponed).
2019 Biosphere, James May Gallery, Green Bay/Algoma, WI.
2019 The Nature of Things, Cielo Home, Portland, OR.
2018 Floating, Guardino Gallery, Portland, OR.
2017 Reflections In The Mind’s Eye, MHCC Visual Arts Gallery, Gresham, OR.
2014
Tides, Hall-Barnett Gallery, New Orleans, LA.
Roots, Amiro Art & Found Gallery, St. Augustine, FL.
2009
Collective Unconscious, Paulina Miller Gallery, Phoenix, AZ.
Synthesis, The Alexander Brest Museum, Jacksonville, FL.
2006
Safety Zone, The Exploratorium Museum of Science, Art, and Human Perception, San Francisco, CA.
Ebb and Flow, Asylum, Palm Springs, CA.
Fleeting Beauty, Soren Christensen Art Gallery, New Orleans, LA.
2005
All Creatures Big and Small, Goldring Riverview Gallery, NOCCA Riverfront, New Orleans, LA.
2003
All That Glitters is Not Gold, Lewis Art Gallery, Millsaps College, Jackson, MS.
Adaptations, Soren Christensen Art Gallery, New Orleans, LA.
2002
The Gods Must Be Crazy, Mario Villa Art Gallery, New Orleans LA.
2001
Sanctuary, ERTH Gallery, New Orleans, LA.
2001
Loosely Strung, MFA Thesis Exhibition, Carroll Gallery, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA.
2000
Active Creation, Mario Villa Art Gallery, New Orleans, LA.
1997
Space Between, 93 South Art Gallery, Nyack NY.
Creatures, Barrett/Wesley Gallery, Chappaqua, NY.
1995
Whoopie, BFA Thesis Exhibition, School of Art and Design, Alfred University, Alfred, NY.
JURIED AND GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2021 Art of Water V, James May Gallery Milwaukee, WI.
2016-2020 MHCC Faculty Exhibit, MHCC Visual Arts Gallery, Gresham, OR.
2016 Myth and Mammal, Hall-Barnett Gallery, New Orleans, LA.
2016 Feel The Heat: Cuba, Miami, New Orleans, Hall-Barnett Gallery, New Orleans, LA.
2015 Memories for Sale, Hall-Barnett Gallery, New Orleans, LA.
2014
Lanterns and Light, Amiro Art & Found Gallery, St. Augustine, FL.
2013
All About Birds, Hall-Barnett Gallery, New Orleans, LA.
2009
From The Vault: Selections From the Ohr-O’keefe Museum of Art Permanent Collection, The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, Biloxi, MS.
Art For Earth’s Sake, curated by Veronica Leandrez, The New Orleans Healing Center, Green Renewal, VSL Art, New Orleans, LA.
The Dog, curated by Christopher Brumfield, The Big Top -Three Ring Circus Gallery, New Orleans, LA.
2007
Red Dot Art Fair, Steve Martin Studio Gallery, New York, NY and Miami, FL.
Best of the Best Contemporary Artists, Steve Martin Studio Gallery, Miami, FL.
New Art, New Media, New Orleans, curated by David E. Robinson and Derek Toten, the New Media Consortium, Carroll Art Gallery, New Orleans, LA.
Breaking Ice: Bay Area Artists Consider the African Diaspora, A Visual Passport, juried exhibition, ARTworkSF Gallery, African American Arts & Culture Center, Theatre Artaud Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
2006
LREI Art Auction, I-20 Gallery, New York, NY.
Surviving the Hurricane: Katrina’s Impact On New Orleans Art, curated by Alan Gerson and David Rubin, Contemporary Art Center, New Orleans, LA.
2005
The Hybrid, Palma Gallery, New Orleans, LA.
2004
Theatres De Memoire, Aldridge – Leatherman Galerie Des Arts, grand opening exhibition, French Quarter, New Orleans, LA.
Swamp Fire, Louis Schwitzer Center, University of Indianapolis, IN.
2003
Vision Hispana II, Invitational, Louisiana Bicentennial, River Oaks Square Arts Center, Alexandria, LA.
Riverfest- A Public Collection of Private Artists, juried exhibition, Merit Award, The Alexandria Museum of Art, Alexandria, LA.
2002
George E. Ohr National Arts Challenge, juried by Paul Soldner, The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, Biloxi, MS.
Art In Bloom, juried exhibition, New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans, LA.
2000
Only Names, group exhibition, Arthur Roger Art Gallery, New Orleans, LA.
1999
Works In Progress, group exhibition, Carroll Gallery, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA.
1998
Anything Goes, group exhibition, Gallery-E.Com, White Plains, NY.
1994
Panoramic Landscapes and Sex Creatures, group exhibition, the Robert Turner Gallery, Alfred, NY.
Land and Light, group exhibition, Studio Art Centers International, Via San Gallo Space, Florence, Italy.
1992
Summer Art Show, juried by Pauline Hepburn, The Fosdick Nelson Art Gallery, Alfred, NY.
1989
Creative Process, group exhibition, Myril Adler’s Art Workshop, The Ossining Public Library, Ossining, NY.
1988
The Caramoor Celebration of 1988, juried exhibition, Caramoor Center for Music and Arts, Katonah, NY.
1986
The Imagination Celebration, juried exhibition, New York State Council for the Arts Westchester, NY and Westchester Community College Gallery, Valhalla, NY.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
2015
Sculpture commission for the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, LA.
Sculpture commission for a bas-relief crest for the Iris Krewe and Society, New Orleans, LA.
2013
Designed and created large scale ceramic tile water-wall, commissioned by the Hotel Royal Sonesta, New Orleans, LA.
Painted eight mural panels for entry foyer of Mr. Dodd and William Winebrenner estate, New Orleans, LA.
2012
Design, re-interpretation and creation of new giant backdrop for Nerieds Ball, Biloxi, MS.
2011
Restoration and creation of flats for Luper Productions (Bruce Willis movie), New Orleans, LA.
Designed and created giant backdrop for the Nutcracker, the Shreveport Ballet, Shreveport, LA.
2010
Restoration of set pieces for the historical Comus Ball, New Orleans, LA.
2009
Mentored art and nursing students in creation of large-scale non-smoking mural promoting community health. Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, FL.
2007
Artist/Poet Collaboration. Collaborated on shared metaphors in my artwork with poetry by Shannon Bowman-Sarkisian. San Jose State University, San Jose, CA.
Educated and led students at Flynn Elementary in creation of an underwater environment in watercolor. Educated and led students at Miraloma Elementary in creation of ceramic masks. San Francisco Arts Education Project, San Francisco, CA.
2006
Designed and led creation of thirty-three foot long panoramic mural of San Francisco the Hotel Royal Sonesta, New Orleans, LA.
Designed and created two direct cinema animated films, paintings, and biological art on the effects of Hurricane Katrina/climate change on the Gulf coast habitat, Exploratorium Museum, San Francisco, CA.
Painted mural panels and mosaic mural design, commissioned by the Hilton Capitol Park, Baton Rouge, LA.
2005
Large scale paintings and sculpture installation, commissioned by the Marriott Inc., Central Business District, New Orleans, LA.
2003
Color etching edition, commissioned by the Whitney Wyndham Hotel, New Orleans, LA.
2001
Large courtyard sculpture commission for Anthony Clesi, New Orleans, LA.
Painting as cover image, Tulane Review Literary and Art Magazine, New Orleans, LA.
Mural panels for Moon Wok Restaurant, French Quarter, New Orleans, LA.
Painted Murals for Ms. Tia Elders’ historic French Quarter Home, New Orleans, LA.
1999-2000
Painted murals in seven rooms and courtyard of Governor Claiborne’s historic home for Dr. Neal and Suzi Persky, New Orleans, LA.
1999
Mural and company logo (copyrighted), Ms. Spratt’s retail women’s apparel, New Orleans, LA.
1996
Designed greeting cards for American Marketing Association, NY.
1994
Production assistant of concerts, Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Metro-Tech and in setting music to Price Chopper radio commercial and Kellogg’s animated television commercial, New York, NY.
1992
Illustration published, songbook for New York City Schools, Peter Phillips and Associates, Mt. Vernon, NY.
1990
Illustration published, Fabric’s and Furnishings Magazine, New York, NY.
1989
Designed letter-head illustration, Ossining Public School District. Ossining, NY.
HONORS AND AWARDS
2015
Panelist and Representative, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Invited by the Mandela Washington Fellowship For Young African Leaders to discuss the South African film, Hear Me Move, choreographed by Mandela Washington Fellow, Paul Tshepo Modjadji.
2011-14
Guest Artist/Workshop Teacher, Metairie Country Day Creative Arts, Metairie, LA. Instruction in Renaissance and Expressionism painting with gifted and talented students.
2008
Guest Lecturer, Fogle Friends of Fine Arts, Fogle Art Gallery, Jacksonville, FL. Lecture on modernism and contemporary visual art.
2007
Speaker and panelist, San Francisco Public Library -Main Branch International Center, Koret Auditorium, San Francisco, CA. Discussion and forum addressing issues of the African Diaspora.
Artist-In-Residence, the San Francisco Arts Education Project. San Francisco, CA.
2006
Visiting Artist, City-of-Dreams, San Francisco, CA.
Artist-In-Residence, The Exploratorium Museum of Science, Art, and Human Perception, San Francisco, CA. Made possible by the Alliance of Artists Residency Group and the James Irvine Foundation.
2005 Acceptance: Biennale Internazionale Dell’Arte Contemporanea, Florence Biennial, nominated by the International Jury, Fortezza da Basso, Florence, Italy.
Guest Curator, Palma Gallery, art exhibition entitled, The Hybrid, New Orleans, LA.
Guest Lecturer, Artists Guild Unlimited, Morgan City, LA. Watercolor painting workshop.
2004
Guest Lecturer, Artists Guild Unlimited, Morgan City, LA. Slide lecture, painting demonstration, and mixed media painting workshop.
2003
Guest Lecturer, Lewis Art Gallery, Millsaps College, Jackson, MS. Gallery talk given in conjunction with solo exhibition.
Louisiana State Bicentennial Artist Grant –VSA 8g, Visiting Artist Grant in conjunction with the Louisiana Bicentenial, Jefferson Parish Public School System, Harvey, LA.
Juror’s Award of Merit, Alexandria Museum of Art, Alexandria, LA. Juror: Preston Gilchrist, Director of Fine Arts, River Oaks Square Arts Center.
2001
Newcomb College, Mortarboard Award: Outstanding Teaching –Studio Art.
1999-2001
Tulane University, full tuition scholarship and studio assistantship.
1998
Professional Fellowship to play Masetto in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Rome
1995
Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society.
PUBLICATIONS/ LITERATURE
6 June, 2014 — Azzarello, Robert, “The Next Wave. Art Review: Matteo Neivert’s Tidal in the French Quarter.” NOLA DEFENDER, Arts 15:51 http://www.noladefender.com/ content/next-wave.
22 September, 2008 — Johnson, Larry, Rachel Smith, Rachel Varon, The New Media Consortium, Peter Samis, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Holly Witchey, and the Cleveland Museum of Art. “Into the Breach – How Creative Philanthropy Can Reverse the Eroding Landscape of Arts Education.” Austin: The New Media Consortium, 2008.
November, 2006 — Alliance of Artists Communities, James Irvine Foundation, and Consortium of California Artists Communities. Creative Renewal, Gulf Coast Artists Hurricane Relief Program 2006. Providence: Alliance of Artists Communities, 2006.
3 June, 2006 — Burden, Robert, “Two Artists & the Exploratorium.” San Francisco Art Institute, graduate seminar essay, p. 1-4.
Sept/October, 2005 — Tuley, Laura, “Reviews/ Southeast –New Orleans.” ART PAPERS, Vol. 29, No.
19 April, 2005 — Bookhardt, Eric D., “From Myths to Mutants.” Gambit Weekly, Vol. 26, No. 16, p.
1 May, 2003 — Greenberg, Paul A., “Living With Art –World of Whimsy.” At Home Magazine –in New Orleans, Vol 1, No.2 p. 51-57.
29 November, 2002 — MacCash, Doug, “Grab Bag of Styles Creates a Weird Energy.” Times Picayune, Lagniappe – Arts & Entertainment, p. 18.
26 November, 2002 — Bookhardt, Eric D., “Shifts in Time.” Gambit Weekly, Vol. 23, No. 48, p. 57.
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
Robert Pillsbury Balzebre, Miami, FL
Howard and Anne Barnett, New Orleans, LA
Christopher Brumfield, Baton Rouge, LA
Dwyer and Cambre Law Offices Inc., Metairie, LA
Anthony Clesi, New Orleans, LA
Anne Currier, Scio, NY
Claude Duet, Covington, LA
Kurzius Family, New Orleans, LA
Rupert Everett, New York, NY
Maria Gaztambide, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Hilda Hernandez, Houston, TX
Hilton Capitol Park, Baton Rouge, LA
Hotel Royal Sonesta, New Orleans, LA
Gastone and Varesca Grazini, Florence, Italy
Madhavlal family, Bombay, India
Marriott Inc., New Orleans, LA
Elizabeth McIntosh, Boston, MA
Joseph McReynolds, New Orleans, LA
Nicky Perry and Tea & Sympathy Inc., New York, NY
The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, Biloxi, MS
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, New Orleans, LA
Spa Isbell Inc., New Orleans, LA
Sports Club/LA, San Francisco, CA
Suzi Persky, New Orleans, LA
Dino Raimondi, Palm Springs, CA
Yvette Romeu, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
The Roberto Family, San Francisco, CA
Howard Schwartz, Highland Beach, FL
Tina Turner, Nice, France
Mario Villa, New Orleans, LA
Rufus Wainwright, Montreal, Canada
Jim Walpole, New Orleans, LA
David Workman, New Orleans, LA
Whitney Wyndham Hotel, New Orleans, LA
EDUCATION
2001 Master of Fine Art. Tulane University, Newcomb Art Department, New Orleans, Louisiana.
1991-95 Bachelor in Fine Art and Design, Magna Cum Laude. Alfred University, School of Art and Design, Alfred, New York.
1994 Studio Art Centers International, Florence, Italy. Emphasis in archaic painting
1979-91 Myril Adler’s Art Workshop, Pratt Institute, New York and Briarcliff Manor, New York.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2016-Present Tenured Instructor of Art- Area Head of Painting and 2-D coordinator: Mt. Hood Community College, Art Department, Gresham, OR. Tenured painting area head. Teaching all levels of painting.
2009-2016 Art Director/Scenic Designer: Maloney/Spangenburg Productions, New Orleans, LA. Designing 1/4″ color scenic designs, producing, painting, rendering of color backdrops and flats up to 70×40′ for ballet, opera, television, film, and Mardi Gras balls. Production from start to finish of flats and props. Management of staff and materials.
2012-2014 Adjunct Assistant Professor of Art: Newcomb Art Department, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Instructor for all levels of painting and drawing.
2011-2014 Summer Program Workshop Teacher: Metairie Country Day Creative Arts, Metairie, LA. Instruction in mural painting, renaissance painting, mosaics, and expressionism painting with gifted and talented students grades 2-9th.
2008-2009 Assistant Professor of Art: College of Fine Art, Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, FL. Instructor for all levels of painting, drawing, and foundations. Painting and Foundations head. Management of 2-D Adjunct Professors.
2007- 2008 Visiting Assistant Professor: Newcomb Art Department, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Instructor for all levels of painting and drawing.
2007 (Spring) Instructor: ACE Program, San Francisco Art Institute, San Francisco, CA. Instructor for mixed media painting.
2002-2005 Part-time Professor of Painting: Escuela Cervantes Fundacion Hispanoamerica de Arte, Kenner, LA. Instructor for bilingual advanced oil painting at a Hispanic Art Academy. Accentuation on Hispanic-American cultural concepts and history.
2001-2005 Adjunct Professor of Art: Newcomb Art Department, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Teaching: foundations of painting, foundations of drawing, beginning drawing, intermediate color drawing, descriptive drawing and beginning ceramics.
1999-2001 Professor of Record and Graduate Teaching Assistant: Newcomb Art department, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Assisted in teaching intermediate drawing and beginning ceramics.
1997-98 Head Art Teacher: The Lorge School, West 17th Street, NY, NY. Director of art program for semi-private special education school. Created comprehensive art curriculum in all mediums. Coordinated scholarships to the Brooklyn Museum of Art Studio Program.