Matthew Forehand

Matthew Forehand is a visual artist based in Miami, Florida whose life has been shaped by his diverse cultural experiences and personal challenges. His art reflects a unique perspective, often patchworking elements of nature and the environment from his family home in Colombia And South Florida.

Growing up in a military family, he had the opportunity to travel and explore different cultures, which greatly influenced his artistic practice. Despite struggling with school due to a learning disability, Matthew found solace in art, using it as a means of self-expression. He overcame obstacles and enrolled in the adult high school program, eventually realizing his passion for visual arts.

After a brief stint in the United States Marine Corps, Matthew returned home and pursued his studies at Pensacola State College. It was during this time that he discovered the Visual Arts department and realized his desire to pursue art as a profession. He later attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), where he met his future wife, Catalina. Together, they made the decision to relocate to Miami, where Matthew found a renewed sense of purpose and connection to his Colombian heritage.

Matthew's teaching experiences and work as a studio assistant allowed him to develop his skills and establish himself in the art community. He took on a role at Oolite Arts, a respected non-profit Artist Residency in Miami, where he currently holds the position of Printmaking Residency. Matthew's journey exemplifies perseverance and determination, as he has overcome challenges and setbacks to pursue his passion. His unique perspective, influenced by his cultural background, has contributed to his rising success in the contemporary art world.

His ability to channel his experiences into his art has resulted in a distinct and impactful body of work, positioning him as a promising talent in the art world

Matthew is currently a resident artist at Oolite Arts and has also had a residency at Ox-Bow School of the Arts in Saugatuck, Michigan. He has exhibited his work at Sullivan Galleries (Chicago, IL), Oolite Arts (Miami Beach, FL), and had a solo exhibition at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood (Hollywood, FL).

works

  • Matthew and his wife Catalina made the decision to relocate to Miami from Chicago. Miami is a city that held special significance for Matthew as it was where his family had immigrated from Colombia in the early 1980s.

    The proximity to his Colombian roots, coupled with frequent trips to visit his wife's family, provided Matthew with a renewed sense of purpose and helped him realize the direction he wanted his career to take.

    By tapping into his Colombian heritage, which he had always felt a deep connection to but never had the opportunity to explore, Matthew was able to build a strong personal and professional identity. Through his work and familial connections, he is able to create meaningful memories and gain a deeper understanding of his cultural background.

  • Untitled (Coconut Boys) (2023)

    Oil on canvas

    45” x 39”

  • Untitled (Coconut Boys) installation

  • Mendihuaca (2023)

    Oil on canvas

    35” x 62”

  • Cancha (2023)

    Oil on Paper

    48" × 48"

    52” x 52” w frame