We Interviewed The Most Famous Artist
And talked about how art can save America's dying cities
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube.
If you like this episode, feel free to 💬,❤️ or 🔄 on Substack and your preferred podcast app so more people can find it!
Matty Mo, also known as "The Most Famous Artist," is a creative force behind viral stunts, murals, and brand projects. His latest venture, Art City, is a visionary project to revitalize the small town of Tucumcari, New Mexico, using art as a catalyst for community building and economic development.
In this episode, we explore Matty’s journey from tech to art, the power of trickster mythology in his work, and how Art City aims to breathe new life into forgotten American towns. See the top takeaways below.
Episode Highlights (~1.5 Minutes, Full Episode Linked Above)
Top Takeaways
The Purpose of Art: Matty explains that everyone has a different definition of art, and he emphasizes that his own isn't more correct than anyone else's. For him, art is about creating connections between people. He describes how a poet and a mathematician, for example, can look at the same object and connect over it, even though their perspectives may be vastly different. This ability of art to bridge divides and foster connection is central to Matty’s practice and projects like Art City.
The Power of Viral Art: From stunts like the Private Jet Experience to Instagrammable murals, Matty has used art to comment on the performative nature of social media. His work exposes the illusions of wealth and fame while still creating engaging, shareable moments.
Revitalizing Small Towns with Art: Art City is Matty’s ambitious project to turn a small town into a cultural hub. By leveraging art installations and creative gatherings, he aims to create a "viral flywheel" that attracts visitors, boosts the local economy, and fosters a new model for small-town revitalization.
The Role of Artists as Tricksters: Matty draws inspiration from the mythology of tricksters and artists like Banksy, who use their work to challenge societal norms and create culture. Tricksters, in Matty’s view, are storytellers who make us question the world around us.
A New Vision for Creative Living: Art City represents a long-term vision for an alternative lifestyle, where artists and knowledge workers can thrive outside of major cities. With affordable living, community building, and a focus on art, it offers a blueprint for future creative spaces.
Resources
Full List of Topics Covered
Matty’s journey from Silicon Valley to full-time artist
The role of art in connecting people and creating shared experiences
Using art as a means to drive business growth, including new revenue streams for Alfred Coffee in LA
How viral stunts like the Private Jet Experience highlight cultural shifts driven by social media
The inspiration behind Art City and its impact on Tucumcari, New Mexico
The potential for art to revitalize small-town America
Matty’s vision for building alternative creative communities
I hope you enjoy this thought-provoking conversation! Feel free to share your thoughts and let us know if any ideas resonate with you.
-Adam