Matti Dubee

Matti Dubee (born 1972, Toronto, Canada) is a sculptor and innovator whose work transforms disposable materials into timeless works of art. During his time in China, Matti pioneered a unique technique called "Dali Paper," an intricate process that repurposes newspaper—one of the most fleeting forms of mass communication—into sculptures that mimic the texture of marble. Inspired by sustainability, conservation, and the delicate balance between nature and human impact, his work elevates paper-mâché from craft to fine art.

At the core of Dubee’s artistic vision is the exploration of duality: strength and fragility, movement and stillness, permanence and impermanence. His sculptures, often inspired by the female form, capture fluidity and grace, making solid objects appear weightless, as if caught mid-motion. By transforming discarded newspapers into finely crafted, highly polished works of art, he draws attention to society’s culture of waste and reinvention, urging viewers to reconsider the value of materials and the impact of their consumption.

Each sculpture is built layer by layer, with no internal support, using an intensive process of gluing, shaping, sanding, and sealing that can take weeks or even months to complete. As the surfaces are sanded, intricate natural patterns emerge, reminiscent of marble or granite, reinforcing the illusion of stone while maintaining the flexibility and lightness of paper. The final result is a paradox: sculptures that appear to be carved from rock yet remain airy and delicate, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation.

Dubee’s work is a reflection of his own artistic journey—a fusion of cultures, experiences, and disciplines. From his early years in Canada and Brazil to his decades in China, his diverse background in design, publishing, and environmental conservation informs his art, shaping a practice that is both deeply personal and universally relevant. His sculptures have been exhibited internationally, resonating with audiences who see in them a profound commentary on transformation, sustainability, and the ephemeral nature of human expression.

Through his work, Matti Dubee challenges conventional perceptions of material and form, inviting us to find beauty in the overlooked and to see beyond the surface. His sculptures are not just objects; they are conversations—between past and present, between nature and industry, between what we discard and what we choose to preserve.