Matt Duffin
Matt Duffin is an American artist whose evocative, monochromatic works explore themes of solitude, memory, and the surreal undercurrents of daily life. Working primarily in encaustic wax—a centuries-old technique involving heated beeswax mixed with pigment—Duffin creates richly textured, subtly coloured imagery that invites viewers into quietly unsettling yet compelling worlds.
Originally trained as an architect, Duffin brings a precise, structured sensibility to his compositions. This formal discipline contrasts with the emotive, often ambiguous narratives that emerge: lone figures in dreamlike spaces, shadowy corridors, and stark interiors that feel suspended in time. The tension between order and mystery lies at the heart of his practice, evoking humour, nostalgia, and a gentle awareness of the uncanny.
A defining aspect of Duffin’s visual language is his masterful use of chiaroscuro—the interplay of light and shadow—which deepens the emotional tone of his works and accentuates their quiet drama. His images carry a cinematic quality, minimalist yet immersive, reminiscent of silent films and early noir photography.
Though deeply personal, Duffin’s work resonates universally, touching on shared psychological spaces such as childhood, isolation, and introspection. His refined control of tone and form strips away distraction, drawing the viewer toward the essence of each image: its structure, its suggestion, and its silence.
In 2025, Duffin presented Sin Comentario, a solo exhibition at BienCuadrado, where his enigmatic, poetic works found a new audience.
Now based in Barcelona, Duffin continues to develop his unique approach to encaustic, often infusing his work with a quietly ironic political edge. Above all, what remains is the enduring beauty and mastery of an artist working with such restraint and depth, in a truly unique way. These works really need to be seen to be truly appreciated and experienced.