Mosaic/Sculpture
Matlakas' Interest in sculpture began from a very early age, nowadays focussing on mosaic and Installation
Two Waves
Inspired by the Taoist Taijitu, this mosaic embodies the balance between the resilience of the sea and the impact of human industrial activity. Three-quarters depict the ocean’s enduring strength, contrasting with the one-quarter that represents industry—its progress and its environmental challenges.
Portraying the beauty of marine life alongside symbols of pollution, the piece reflects our responsibility toward the sea. A bee and a bird emerge as symbols of hope, urging harmony between nature and humanity. Outlined in black, the mosaic unites its elements, crafted with recycled materials in alignment with the residency’s eco-conscious theme.
Commissioned by ART4SEa and the European Union, with support from the Goethe Institute to the artist.
Ceramic mural in the yard of ICA - Institute for Contemporary art in Yerevan, Armenia. Hay Art Cultural Centre, based in Yerevan asked Matlakas to create an Anti-war work on the yard walls of ICA in Yerevan. Matlakas created a tile ceramic abstract work representing alien figures coming to save humanity and expanding their consciousness. The artist created the iconic ceramic work in two weeks with the help of Multidisciplinary artist Grigor Muradyan. Special thanks to Marine Karoyan, Nazareth Karoyan, and all the wonderful staff of ICA.
Mosaic commission in London. Hand-cut industrial ceramic on wall, ⌀180
Chorus
Developed for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Gwangju, South Korea in 2023
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Bricks, ceramic tiles adhesive, and grout of various sizes/assembled.
Chorus is a sculpture installation made of bricks, ceramic tiles, adhesive, and grout of various sizes. I created this work for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Gwangju, South Korea in 2023. The sculpture invites the public to participate in its assembly and disassembly, creating different forms and shapes. The work explores the concept of home, not only as a physical place, but also as a spiritual one, where the soul finds peace and comfort. Like a church, the sculpture is a refuge for the people, who can express their own vision of their spirit home through the sculpture.
Land in Land
Developed in Bulgaria for Visionary Foundation, 2022.
Cretated by Matlakas and Mihaela Kamenova
Back to School, 2018.
Back to School, 2018.
Carved steel, olive wood, 20% zinc, 20% nickel, 60% copper.
This object represents two Shibriya knives facing each other and welded at the edges.
The welding point is the point where time stops for a moment, leaving space for choice. The sharp, timeless silence of the desert, gives hope for a positive transformation. The Shibriya is here used as a blackboard, with an alphabet etched on top, re-teaching us how to live as developed human beings, starting with A,B,C, respecting one-another.
Above, Back to School, 2018. Video performance post-sculpture
Hope in The Sea, 2017.
Carved steel, olive wood, Charcoal.
Hope in the sea is a sound instllation representing a bench in a sea of charcoal. The burned looking books, bench and paddle represents loss of home, culture and strenght due to emigration. A lonely bench, in a fragile state but still with the hope of a change.
Earth Delights
Ø80
hand cut ceramic on Wooden board
South Korea, 2019
Space Delights
Ø60
hand cut ceramic on Wooden board
South Korea, 2019
The Last Show
Ø60
hand cut ceramic on Wooden board
South Korea, 2019
Faces of light
wood, ceramic tiles and grout
Ø50cm
This sculpture has been made with two different faces, representing the cycle of day and night, the sun and the moon, which dictates and fragments our lives. The sculptures have two different energetic patterns to highlight the tow different inner rythms of both day and night.
A Run to freedom
wood, ceramic tiles and grout
20x45x5cm
This sculpture is dedicated to all the populations who fight against the aggrssion of a nation, all the people who struggled to defend themselves to injustice. It is a monument remember about all thos who survived but had to walk through blood and struggle.
Fragmented Child
wood, ceramic tiles and grout
25x45x7cm
This sculpture is dedicated to all the children who are subject to injustice because of war. It is a memorial of the injustice that many children around the world have to go through.
Cellular Listening
36cmx60cmx40cm
Sculpture made with ceramic, plaster, wood, grout, metal, paint, copper powder.
Following The Hare
Sculpture made with Wood, Ceramics, Grout
33 x 113 x31 cm
Attempt to reach the light
Hand cut ceramic tiles from Spain
Ø 60cm
LONDON, 2017
The Harvest
Hand-cut ceramic tiles from Spain
Ø 50cm
LONDON, 2017
Un Chien Andalou
Hand-cut ceramic tiles from Spain
Ø 60cm
LONDON, 2017
In-Frequency
Hand-cut ceramic tiles from Spain
61x39cm
LONDON, 2016
Meeting of Human and the digital world
Hand-cut ceramic tiles from Spain
60x30cm
LONDON, 2017
A Portal
Hand-cut ceramic tiles from Spain
Ø90 cm
LONDON, 2017
Buddha's wish
Hand-cut ceramic tiles from Spain
41x41cm
LONDON, 2016
Do Not Touch Series"
(Rubble of human mind)
wood, ceramic tiles and grout
35x20x10cm
"Humanity keeps fighting against nature and it's neighbours. It' s a story that we have seen in history and still see nowadays, it's a cycle with no end. One day perhaps this fragmented reality will only become dust and suffering blow away through the wind"
Do Not Touch Series"
(Rubble of human mind)
Various Sizes
Tile sculptures
Inspired by the worldwide famous Terracotta Army from China, I would like to continue the discourse with an artillery made out of ceramic. Changing the function of weapons. In fact I like the idea that in an exhibition environment is not possible to touch an art work and if
the art work is a gun, even better, the invitation of not touching is still valid.
