Matthew Schiavello (b.1972) is a Naarm/Melbourne born, self taught photographer and visual artist. In his photographic practice Matthew works in various styles, from abstract and conceptual work, to the more representational, and self-portraiture. Matthew often works from a place of engaged curiosity. Whether capturing urban scenes, or urban decay's transience, Matthew's focus is on finding the beauty in his surroundings. In his experimental work, he characteristically looks for the unique moment where skilled technique meets the more extemporized and uncontrollable aspects of the process. Known for working with 35mm film (with various techniques including film soup and multiple exposure), Matthew has more recently explored manipulating Polaroid prints. Using bleach, inks and other liquids, he looks for moments of beauty in the process of altering the physical print.
Matthew has been a finalist in several art awards. Most recently in the Midsumma and Australia Post art prize (2023). Matthew’s works are in several private collections across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the United States.