Mati Uprus

Artist's country of origin: Estonia

Mati Uprus (born on December 29, 1963, in Põlva) is an Estonian artist who primarily works as a painter. He began his artistic journey in 1989 and studied graphic arts under the guidance of Boris Lukats, whom he considers his spiritual mentor.

Uprus has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions. His solo exhibitions have been held at venues such as the Betti Alver Museum (2008, 2009), Promenaadiviis Gallery (2018, 2021), and Mikkeli Gallery (2023). Among group exhibitions, he has participated in shows at the Tartu Art Museum (1988), Tartu Art House (1990, 1992, 1993), and Art & Tonic Gallery (2022).

His work often focuses on the interplay of light and shadow, highlighting the silhouettes of figures while leaving personal details obscured in darkness. He creates artworks in both oil and acrylic techniques, frequently depicting small-scale genre scenes, interiors, and abstracts.

In addition to his painting career, Uprus has also worked as a composer. In 2022, he was awarded the Best Composer award at the Estonian Film and Television Awards (EFTA) for his work on the film Gardener of Tensions.

Mati Uprus’s creations are characterized by meticulous craftsmanship, deeply considered compositions, and a refined sense of artistry.