Mati Klarwein Feature Story in British GQ
Mati Klarwein is one of my favorite artists. His exhibitions at Govinda Gallery were some of the most memorable we have had. Mati had a great influence on our exhibition programming. We also enjoyed many portrait commissions for Mati, including great paintings of Bill Paley, Danille Kogod, Henry Schoellkopf, and Kim Waters, among others.
Last month’s issue of British GQ featured a 10 page feature story on Mati and his paintings. The story quotes Andy Warhol as saying of Mati Klarwein that he was “the most famous unknown painter in the world.”
Some people have said that Mati painted album covers… however he always told me that musical artists would happen to see a painting of his, and then ask to use it for their album. A great example is his painting Annunciation, which Carlos Santana saw and asked to use on a cover of Santana’s greatest album, Abraxas.
As well as Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew.
Mati Klarwein’s invitation for his Govinda Gallery exhibition in 1987.
I was very glad to have visited Mati in his remarkable studio in Mallorca for two summers before he passed on in 2002. Mati was a great inspiration as an artist. He possessed a remarkable style and a wonderful sense of humor. He was also a dear most friend.
