Mattes

In the context of art, photography, and design, 'mattes' (plural of 'matte') primarily refers to a surface finish that is non-glossy or flat. It absorbs light rather than reflecting it, resulting in a subdued, understated appearance. This contrasts with glossy or shiny surfaces which reflect light, creating highlights and a more dynamic visual experience. The use of mattes is often chosen to minimize glare, enhance textures, and create a more refined or sophisticated aesthetic. mattes are also employed in film and video production, where they are used for compositing elements, such as combining live action footage with visual effects. This functionality is also present in digital art, with mattes used for masking and isolating elements within images.

Mattes meaning with examples

• The artist chose a matte finish for the painting to create a sense of depth and avoid distracting reflections, which helped with the texture of the canvas. This deliberate choice enhanced the colors and created a more subtle and sophisticated aesthetic. She opted for the muted tones to convey a sense of quietude, perfectly complementing the subject matter, resulting in a calm atmosphere. The subtle texture further added to the overall sense of visual refinement.
• The photographer preferred matte prints for their portraits because the non-reflective surface eliminated glare, revealing the nuances of the subject's expression and skin tone. The matte paper diffused light, reducing harsh shadows and creating a softer, more natural look. This choice ensured the photographs could be viewed under various lighting conditions without distortion, making them suitable for display in a variety of environments. The muted effect was also a nod to the naturalism of the photograph.
• In digital illustration, the use of matte layers allows designers to easily isolate and manipulate different parts of an image. Creating mattes enables the designer to blend effects seamlessly without disturbing adjacent elements. A matte, like a mask, could make the changes non-destructive. With these, the digital artist could quickly composite multiple graphics or incorporate textures in a very clean manner. This allows the digital artist the ease and fluidity of layering that allows complete creative control over the final product.
• The film editor used mattes to combine the live-action footage with the CGI creatures, blending the characters seemlessly into the realistic sets. This technology makes the effects seamless and very believable. The matte acted as a mask to separate the foreground from the background. This technology makes these kinds of cinematic effects a common occurrence, which in turn has created great effects for movies.