Prague, September 8th 2025 – Young Czech artist MAATTY, known for his distinctive visual language and intricate linear compositions, has launched a unique project under the guidance of his mother, writer Michaela Hošková. The series, titled Champions by MAATTY, captures the spirit and atmosphere of all 16 Global Champions Tour events held throughout the 2025 season. Each event has inspired one original acrylic painting. The paintings are created shortly after each event concludes, based on the specific course and emotional intensity of the competition.
The paintings will be made available through a special online charity auction hosted by ARTSLIMIT. The auction will culminate on Saturday, 22nd November 2025, during the final weekend of the Playoffs.
A significant portion of the proceeds will be donated to Edwina Tops-Alexander’s ITOT Foundation, which supports children with disabilities through equine therapy.
“When I heard MAATTY’s story and saw his work, I was deeply moved. A project where a young artist with autism creates and donates his art to support other children with challenges – that’s powerful. I’m honored to be part of it.”
“The ITOT Foundation was created in the spirit of Itôt du Château: a horse whose resilience and determination made him a champion despite the hurdles he faced. MAATTY reflects that same spirit, a champion who transforms his own autistic journey into the beauty of art and offers it as a gift to the world. This Champions by MAATTY project celebrates the values we stand for: inclusion, resilience, creativity, and empowerment – and we are proud to support it.”
“Equestrianism plays a big role in our family life. My daughter Sofia competes in showjumping herself, and she was the bridge between the sport and MAATTY’s artistic world. I believe each painting reflects not just the energy of a specific event, but also the inner landscape of MAATTY.”
MAATTY is a young, emerging Czech artist living with autism. His work is defined by precise, abstract linear compositions, often inspired by urban systems, maps, and movement in space. What began as a childhood fascination with public transit maps became a powerful visual language rooted in repetition, rhythm, and geometric storytelling.
From an early age, it became clear that visual structures had a calming and organizing effect on him. Over the years, this evolved into a unique artistic expression — combining architectural logic with emotional intensity. MAATTY works primarily with acrylic on canvas, using masking tape, grid systems, and his exceptional visual memory.
In 2025, he was named to the Forbes Czech Republic “30 under 30” list, a recognition not only of his artistic impact but also of the meaningful, human narrative that runs through his work. Despite communication barriers, MAATTY expresses himself fully through his art. His paintings are more than compositions — they are maps of emotion, portraits of thought, and bridges between inner and outer worlds. Champions by MAATTY is his most ambitious project yet, marking the first time he has merged his love of structure with the energy of live sport.
Michaela Hošková is a Czech writer and advocate for mental health, neurodiversity, and family care. She is the author of several books, including Matěj Paints Maps, Matěj Explores Art, and The Eternal Loyal Enemy – Anorexia. Her work explores the intersection of art, psychology, and lived experience.
As the concept author behind Champions by MAATTY, she continues to create meaningful bridges between her son’s world and the broader community — using art as a tool of awareness, empathy, and connection.
The ITOT Foundation, co-founded by Edwina Tops-Alexander and Caroline Huisman-Ruijg, is dedicated to supporting children with disabilities through the transformative power of equine therapy. Named after Edwina’s legendary showjumping partner Itôt du Château, the foundation believes in inclusion, empowerment, and holistic development.
Through carefully designed therapeutic programs involving horses, the foundation offers emotional, physical, and psychological support to children and families who face unique challenges. ITOT collaborates with trusted centers and professionals to ensure meaningful, long-term impact in the lives of those it serves.
