Russian Influence in the Arts

Russian culture at UH Manoa extends well beyond language and literature. One student is using his study in the Russian program to create artistic work.

Still I Rise (2016) by Mat Nelen

Mat (Матвей) Nelen is a Russian major at UH with a particular interest in socialist realism of the 1930s. Using his distinctive charcoal drawing techniques, he creates iconic images focused on portraiture and the human form.

His early works were inspired by the first woman in space, Valentina Tereshkova (1963). Mat wanted to highlight the accomplishments and heroism of a pivotal landmark in space exploration and human achievement which is almost unknown in the U.S.

Mat's drawing style is heavily influenced by one artist in particular, Viktor Semyonovich Ivanov. Like Mat, Viktor started producing poster artwork while he was still a student in Leningrad, 1930 and later went on to create some of the most influential poster artworks throughout World War II.

Rosie (2018) by Mat Nelen

Mat's current focus is primarily in sculpture, but he does continue his work in drawing, with a series of safety posters in the works.

This summer, Mat will be attending Indiana University's intensive language workshop and plans to complete a new illustrated book based on pre-Rus slavic folklore. We look forward to seeing that soon!

For more information on Mat or to check out his other artwork, look him up on Instagram @matnelen or at http://www.behance.com/matnelen