Justin DeMattico

Justin DeMattico is a figurative-based painter who creates surrealist environments in oil-paint, watercolor, embroidery and 3D printed sculptures. His work explores themes informed by his deep-rooted faith and is a reflection of his spiritual journey. From a young age, Christianity was a large inspiration for DeMattico. Following the passing of his grandfather, he began questioning and seeking answers surrounding the topics of death and life thereafter. DeMattico sought and found these answers in the Bible and continues to explore, question, and draw inspiration from it. Justin’s unique blend of portraiture, Christian themes, and symbolism sets him apart as an artist who fearlessly explores the depths of human existence. DeMattico seeks to inspire people to question these topics as well and, perhaps, find answers through his work. He graduated in 2020 with a B.A. in studio art from Monmouth University and afterwards earned his M.F.A. in painting at the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2022. Prior to college, DeMattico never pursued any type of fine art. Attending a performing arts high school for digital filmmaking, he was a film editor who set out to become a digital animator. After taking his first studio painting course in college, he realized fine art is something he was incredibly passionate about and intended to help others discover their passion for it as well. Justin is now a professor of art at Brookdale Community College in New Jersey. He teaches courses such as Figure Drawing, Color Theory, and Drawing 1 and 2. DeMattico now gets to work closely with artists of all different skill levels, from people who have never picked up a pencil to those who have been creating since childhood, helping them continue to refine, hone and develop their abilities as fine artists. DeMattico also serves as a faculty mentor for the Whyman Center for Transformative Learning, working closely with students to develop skills like working with clients, developing and pitching a concept and executing large scale murals on campus. He has exhibited widely in his home area of Central New Jersey with organizations like Monmouth Arts, The Monmouth Museum, and Chashama with additional shows in California, Utah and Toronto. Discover more at www.justindemattico.com or @justin_demattico_art on Instagram!