Meet Randi Matushevitz: Explorer of the human condition, visual artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Randi Matushevitz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Randi, what principle do you value most?
Treat others as you wish to be treated. I believe that respect is a human right. It something that is important for the beginning, middle, and longevity of all relationships. It is something that can be lost or in the best of circumstances will grow. The phrase “respect is earned” has the ring of truth, however there must be a common ground that is the foundation. This concept has helped me over the years, build and maintain relationships personal and work related. It is how I approach all aspects of my life. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an existentialist. I want to know how humans are the same beyond culture, language or gender. We are all connected as a species, I think it lies in the sympathetic nervous system and the thought centers of our brain. This pursuit of imagery that can spark our empathetic and intuitive knowing is what drives my artwork imagery. Through a lot of hard work and perseverance I have been able to maintain an artistic career for twenty years. I had the good fortune to be picked up by a gallery in NYC right out of graduate school. That led to more galleries, art fairs, and exhibitions that traveled Latin America. I had my first solo museum show at the Las Vegas Art Museum in 2007. After this illustrious time, and the economic crash of 2006-8, my galleries closed and everything came to a halt. I continued to make artwork. The most important thing an artist can do is maintain their studio practice. Eventually, I was able to reconnect with galleries on the west coast. In 2016 I had my first solo show in Los Angeles. I began to meet artists and apply for residencies, professional artist workshops and other programs in the US and abroad. In 2018, I was fortunate to exhibit in Berlin at the Enter Art Foundation and in 2019 at the Giudecca Arts District in Venice. It was also the year that I had a show in Chinatown at Coagula Curatorial with Justin Bower which resulted in an acquisition from the Museum of Art and History in Lancaster, CA. Shockboxx Project and an upcoming residency at Jentel.  Another equally important career aspect is to build community with fellow artists. That means participate whether in person or on-line, seek out your people. It’s been a long ride and it is still continuing. Through my art making practice I look for ways to bridge the divide, considering the unifying traits of being human, where each individual has the same value and importance as I do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
California’s amazing beaches, Santa Monica, Malibu, Laguna, Venice TLC Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Sunset BLVD and other Hollywood Highlights Rodeo BLVD Museums: Getty Center and Villa, LACMA, The Broad, MOCA Griffith Observatory Disneyland Farmer’s Market Catalina Jazz Club Hollywood Bowl There are sooooo many to choose from.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There have been many in our community and beyond who deserve a bit of love from me. I thank you for your continued encouragement and support, here are only a few who: Kipaipai Workshops, Andi Campognone and Robert Benitez, Kimberly Brooks, VC Projects, Victoria Chapman, Suzy Royal, Jewish Artists Initiative, Melinda Smith Altshuler, Catherine Ruane, Michael O’Connor, A Private View Radio, Maeve Doyle, Kristine Augustyn, Mat Gleason, Art as Vessel Podcast, Channing Smithson, Leah Smithson, Genie Davis, Sara Lamp, and Amanda Hylton.

Website: https://www.randimatushevitz.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randimatushevitzart
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rmatushevitzart
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randi.chaplinmatushevitz/
Other: https://vimeo.com/user80398878

Image Credits
Randi Matushevitz