ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Matthew Grabelsky's Mythological Subway Scenes at Thinkspace Gallery

exhibition · 2026-08-03

Matthew Grabelsky, a 36-year-old artist from Los Angeles, has gained recognition for his unique paintings that depict animal heads on human figures within New York City subway settings. His upcoming solo exhibition at Thinkspace Gallery will highlight these pieces, which merge urban life with mythological themes. Grabelsky honed his skills in Renaissance techniques at The Angel Academy of Art in Florence before exploring modern interpretations of mythology in Paris. The idea for his art struck him during a subway trip when he envisioned animal heads on a couple he saw. One notable piece, "Lincoln Center," portrays a man with a leopard's head holding a GQ magazine. Grabelsky’s technical style, influenced by astrophysics, incorporates reference images and Google SketchUp for added realism, appealing to both art enthusiasts and the wider public.

Key facts

  • Matthew Grabelsky is a 36-year-old artist based in Los Angeles.
  • His new solo show is at Thinkspace gallery.
  • He studied at The Angel Academy of Art in Florence, learning Renaissance techniques.
  • He lived in Paris before returning to New York, where he found his subject matter.
  • His paintings feature animal heads on human bodies in New York subway scenes.
  • One of his favorite works is 'Lincoln Center,' depicting a leopard-headed man and a woman in a leopard-print dress.
  • He uses Google SketchUp and reference images to achieve realistic reflections.
  • His grandmother, a Post-Impressionist painter, influenced his sense of color.

Entities

Artists

  • Matthew Grabelsky
  • Amy Schumer

Institutions

  • Thinkspace gallery
  • The Angel Academy of Art

Locations

  • Los Angeles
  • Florence
  • Paris
  • New York City
  • Italy
  • France
  • United States

Sources