Richmond based Animator, VR, and Environment artist, Matthew LaBella. Originally a traditional and digital painter, Matthew blended his painting skills and creative compositions with 3d and 2d animation techniques, bringing about a perfect marriage of his two passions. Within his education experience he has expanded his use of digital software and traditional mediums through collaboration with the VCU Computer Science program, Korea Arts, The Science museum of virginia. Labella was also the lead environment artist for SentimentVoice, a internationally recognized VR experience exhibiting at Siggraph 2025, The Hong Kong International Media arts Festival 2025, and the Cyber Arts initiative at the Torpedo Factor Arts Center in Alexandria Virginia.

Matthew’s evolution into animation and 3D art has allowed him to explore themes of environmental justice, memory, communication, and the language of space. His work contrasts fantastical narrative elements with the aesthetics of everyday natural locations, creating a unique visual dialogue.