Short Biography

JOE MATHIS (Switzerland 1913 - 2002)

During his distinguished career as an independent
artist, Joe Mathis (JM) exhibited an extensive
portfolio of impressionistic and abstract paintings at
more than 50 one-man and group exhibitions in
Switzerland and abroad.

Drawing inspiration from extensive travels in Europe,
the USA, Africa and China, he experimented with new
techniques in oil, watercolors, crayons and ink, and
created etchings, wood and linoleum carvings as well
as three-dimensional objects.

In his prime, JM designed and executed more than 80
large-scale murals for schools, churches, public and
official buildings, as well as private homes in
Switzerland and Germany.

Prior to working as an independent artist, JM managed
the advertising and graphics department of one of the
largest department store chains in Switzerland. Gifted
and innovative, he was part of a group of talented
Swiss graphic artists whose influence, especially in
poster design, reached far beyond Switzerland?s
borders.

During this period, he created eye-catching graphics
to explain important political and social developments
for the Swiss news magazine Schweizer Illustrierte.

Joe Mathis graduated from the Art Academy in Lucerne
in graphic design; studied fine art with well-known
painter Christoph Vohdin in Zurich; and continued his
education at the Art Academy Julien in Paris, France,
and at the Hofer Schule in Berlin, Germany.


Life Journey, ink & watercolor