Featuring Fantastic Phantasms: Art by Matthew Gray Gubler
Featuring Fantastic Phantasms: Art by Matthew Gray Gubler
Criminal Minds Profiler Doctor Spencer Reid might have a thing or two to say about some of the artwork rendered by his alter-ego, portrayer Matthew Gray Gubler. Then again, maybe not. The affable, multi-talented star is comfortable embodying both the jovial and the macabre, as we can see by these examples. Fans have embraced his colorful sketches and watercolors for years, eliciting comments from “COOL!” to “AWESOME!” to “YIKES!” in equal measure.
Gubler’s colorfully dreamy, whimsical style is one that has served him well, earning him a reputation as a unique and skilled artist who paints what he sees. He makes no apologies for the sometimes ‘less than generically flattering’ portraits of friends and family that are a trademark of his works, often saying that he just sees beauty in things that are ‘off’, and that “I only paint people I find beautiful.” Aside from the portraits, he’s also done a gallery show, an album cover, posters, and limited edition t-shirts that he sells to fans, with the proceeds going to different charities, as well as his high school alma mater in Las Vegas.
Well aware that his images conjure strong feelings in most folks, he’s somewhat shy about showing them in person because the viewer may tend to focus on the grotesque, or believe he’s making fun of them, when nothing could be further from the truth. In this writer’s opinion, true art makes you wonder, makes you feel, and is unforgettable. I’d say those three requirements aptly fit the images below.
“I see beauty differently than most people.” ~ MGG
Many more examples of Matthew’s artwork can be found here, accompanied by his reading of Edgar Allen Poe’s poem, “Annabel Lee”.
MGG’s art always reminds me of Sir Tenniel’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ illustrations! <3 🙂
The images are strangely compelling. There are hints of Dr. Seuss and Edward Gorey. Nevertheless, they are uniquely MGG. I find myself looking at them again and again, both in admiration and horror. How very wonderful!
Having decided I like the Warped Tour the best, I also am impressed by the creature playing the keyboard. I don’t know if Matt H. would agree with me. He played keyboard in my son’s rock band. Then he Matt, that is, became a dermatologist. This is an odd progression, but dermatology somehow fits MGGs images.
Viggo Mortensen also draws a lot of self portraits. I will ponder on this awhile. I like them, all these self portraits, but there is a study to be had of the psychological need to paint them. (Not meant in any way as a criticism.)
Matthew, you paint the dark side of nightmares, is that your interpretation of life.
You look like such a beautiful person, one who never should never know what that is. I live in the black hole of life but hide it well, I’m old now, so it doesn’t matter, but the nightmare of memory persists. Keep up your excellent work. I learned of your works in a physical rehab bed, glad I looked you up. Live life, don’t look back.
I love MGG on Criminal Minds !! Recently read about his artwork and looked it up, as I would love to own a piece, but it truly is terrifying !!! Purposeful disfigurement and exaggeration. Makes one wonder what is going on in his head. Really scary stuff.
I would love to buy a drawing by Matthew Gray Gubler..Love his work. It would be for my daughter who is a big fan..If I ever do find one, it may be hard giving it up. Does anyone know how to purchase one.
I have the same question! Please let me know if you find out and I’ll do the same!