Seema
Mathew

LIVES AND WORKS

Hong Kong
Hong Kong

BORN IN

Bangalore
India

DATE OF BIRTH

27-08-1974

BIOGRAPHY

Seema Mathew was born in 1974 in Bangalore, India. She has been living and working in Hong Kong since 2000. Seema is a self-taught ink and graphite artist and a two-time cancer survivor. In 2014, after recovery from treatment, she took... Read More

Seema Mathew was born in 1974 in Bangalore, India. She has been living and working in Hong Kong since 2000.

Seema is a self-taught ink and graphite artist and a two-time cancer survivor. In 2014, after recovery from treatment, she took up painting full time to realise her life-long dream of being an artist. Early in Seema’s artistic practice, she accidentally discovered the unique and beautiful effect of chinese ink on canvas. Seema spent the next 5 years experimenting and researching this medium and developing techniques for it.

Since 2020 Seema has been working with water-soluble graphite on linen paper, adapting techniques that she invented for ink on canvas. Seema presents this medium traditionally as framed paintings and also as sculptural objects by enveloping everyday objects with it.

The complexity of human relationships and the struggle of the human against the environment, particularly acute in Hong Kong’s crowded urbanscape, are underlying themes in Seema’s work. Of Indian descent, Seema has been based in Hong Kong for over two decades and her art is deeply influenced by her personal experiences and lived environment.

Seema's art is not only visually captivating but also carries a deeper meaning. She explores themes of identity, femininity, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Through her work, she invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences, emotions, and beliefs, creating a bridge between cultures and fostering dialogue.

Seema Mathew’s artworks are in private collections in Hong Kong, India, Austria, UK, Singapore and Dubai.

Achievements:

2023 - shortlisted for the Wells Art Contemporary prize

2022 - recipient of “Certificate of Artistic Achievement” from the Luxembourg Art Prize

2022 - winner International Art Critics Award at Biennale Chianciano in Tuscany, Italy

2021 - shortlisted for UOB Hong Kong Art in Ink award

2021 - selected as “Artist in the Spotlight” at the Arte Laguna Prize Venice, Italy

Exhibition List:

Upcoming:

2023 - group show at Red Dot Miami Art Fair with Galeria Azur during Miami Art Week

Past:

2023 - Wells Art Contemporary Prize exhibition in Wells Cathedral, England