TokenEditions welcomes French photographer, dancer, and producer Mathieu Forget, aka Forgetmat, as he presents his most iconic photographs in his debut NFT art drop “Ready for Take-Off”.
This collection exemplifies Mathieu’s strategic use of the color, shadows, fashion, architecture, nature - his entire surroundings - as he performs and photographs his signature acrobatic “jumps” in aesthetically stunning locations, from Californian city rooftops to southern French beaches.
Forgetmat is also known as “The Flying Man” on Instagram (@Forgetmat 220k followers) and TikTok (@Forgetmat 840k followers), where his photos and videos have been viewed tens of millions of times by fans worldwide. His creative and emotionally uplifting content has also led him to collaborate with global luxury brands like Gucci, Lacoste and Tag Heuer, and to dance alongside some of the biggest names in music, like Taylor Swift.
When asked how he defines artist, Mathieu responded saying, “An artist is someone who lives their life authentically and shares their story through their own medium (paint, dance, cuisine, sculpture etc.). It's also someone who tries to add beauty to the world and spread a positive and hopeful message.”
“Ready for Take-Off” symbolizes Forgetmat's personal journey of becoming a full-time artist, and most recently his arrival in the digital art and NFT spaces. But this collection also serves to inspire the viewers of his artworks to take a chance… to jump and reach for their dreams. Mathieu wanted to be a superhero growing up; his art brings himself, and those who view it, one step closer to accomplishing that dream.
TOKENEDITIONS TALKS WITH FORGETMAT
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
At first, I wanted to be a veterinarian or a superhero. Then I became passionate about drawing, molding and colors. Later on, I thought about becoming a professional tennis player, but when I discovered dance, everything changed for me.
What led you down the path of being an artist?
As a kid I was always amazed by gymnasts, circus artists and stage performers. When I was 15-16 years old, I started watching music videos on TV and I fell in love with the creative and visual worlds of some artists. I became a fan of Michael Jackson, Usher, Justin Timberlake and many others because of their style and imagination. That's why I decided to dance professionally and to find a way to be part of their creative processes. I wanted to be next to them in their performances. Then I discovered photography, filmmaking and social media. I added these mediums into my competences and that's how it led to where I am today.
When did you begin to call yourself an artist? Was there a specific moment / accomplishment that led to this, or was it gradual?
I started calling myself a full-time artist about 2 years ago when I quit my full-time job to commit myself 100% to my creativity and ideas. It took me about 6-7 years of trial and error to be able to do this full-time. Being an artist is very competitive. It takes a lot of failures, time and reflection to know yourself and find your signature.
Who or what inspires you most?
I'm inspired by every artist who is able to live their life authentically and inspire others to do the same, while giving back to the people around them.
With the life experience you have now, what advice would you give yourself 10 years ago?
Keep trying things out and don't be scared to fail. Every opportunity will teach you something new and help you out in your creative and life process. Say yes to everything and you will be surprised.
How have you had to adapt the work and art you create to the “COVID era”? Please elaborate on the impact it’s had.
The COVID era was a blessing for me because it forced me to get out of my comfort zone and fully commit to my passion. During that time, I quit my job, moved back home to France and embraced every opportunity possible. Then destiny took care of the rest and here I am today happy and excited about what the future holds.
If you could collaborate with any musician / composer / singer with your art, who would you choose, and why?
There are so many but I would say that my favorite would be Pharrell Williams, Hugh Jackman, Usher, Justin Timberlake and Lang Lang.
Why do you make art?
Because it makes me happy, and I feel like it impacts and inspires others in so many different ways.
What do you like to do outside of creating art?
Create memories.
What tools did you use to make your drop on TokenEditions (e.g. software, computer, tablet, etc)?
I used the entire Adobe suite and all my photography / video gear.
If this is your first NFT release, why did you choose to release your art as an NFT, and how did you choose these specific pieces of work?
I became a full-time artist thanks to social media and my digital presence. I feel like it only makes sense to also explore this world now in conjunction with all the physical and live exhibitions I'm working on.
Why are NFTs important for the world of digital arts? Why are they important to you?
I believe NFTs are opening new opportunities for artists to explore their creativity, while also creating new ways for them to make a living with their imagination.
