Matt Dillon’s artistic journey started over ten years ago. What began as playful doodling with crayons quickly transformed into a profound exploration of art. By 2016, Dillon secured a studio space to pursue his passion for painting.
Raised in a family that fostered creativity, Dillon inherited a natural affinity for visual arts. His father and grandmother were portrait painters, and his great-uncle created the iconic Flash Gordon. This artistic lineage influenced Dillon’s development as he honed a style that is both spontaneous and textured. His paintings are characterized by bold colors, mercurial figures, repeated symbols, and enigmatic words.
Matt Dillon’s Journey to West Africa
Significant inspiration for Dillon’s work came during his time in Senegal while filming Claire Denis’s movie “The Fence” (2025). In the film, he portrays Horn, an American navigating tumultuous construction projects in an unnamed West African country. After filming, Dillon traveled to Benin, where he encountered diverse landscapes, textiles, and local culture, all of which enriched his creative process.
“Porto Novo to Abomey” Exhibition
Dillon’s new exhibition, “Porto Novo to Abomey,” opens at The Journal Gallery in New York on April 24 and runs until May 23. The title of the show refers to a 100-mile journey from Benin’s capital, Porto Novo, to the historical center of the Kingdom of Dahomey. Throughout this journey, Dillon recorded impressions and experiences that would later manifest in his artwork.
- Exhibition Title: Porto Novo to Abomey
- Location: The Journal Gallery, 45 White Street, New York
- Opening Date: April 24, 2026
- Closing Date: May 23, 2026
Gallery co-founder Michael Nevin noted that Dillon’s works aim to convey the essence of places rather than literal interpretations. This approach results in a visual narrative filled with lingering images and emotional resonance. One of his standout pieces features voodoo themes, rooted in the Kingdom of Dahomey, incorporating masks and tools onto notepad paper.
Dillon also drew from his extensive background in music, reflecting a deep appreciation for Afro-Cuban rhythms. His documentary, “El Gran Fellove” (2020), exploring the life of Francisco Fellove, showcases his connection to that cultural heritage. Julia Dippelhofer, another co-founder of The Journal Gallery, described Dillon as a creative sponge, constantly collecting inspiration during his travels.
As viewers explore “Porto Novo to Abomey,” they can expect a rich blend of Dillon’s artistic exploration and narrative storytelling, reflecting the complexity of his experiences in West Africa.
