Born in Santiago, Chili, Roberto Matta was most popular for his abstract expressionist and surrealist art. Originally, Matta’s studies were focused on architecture and interior design. After traveling to Europe, Matta ingratiated himself into the circle of some of the most prominent surrealist artists such as Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte and Andre Brenton. Matta experimented with different mediums, but it was painting that he was most well known for. The large-scale paintings were defined by their richness in color and foreboding content. Matta’s exploration of the surrealist movement played a significant role in developing the Abstract Expressionist movement.