What is it with celebrities these days? They no longer seem happy to stay in their well-trodden, well paid, glamorous lanes? Is it not enough to simply be the international movie star or pop royalty we know them to be? Seemingly not. Increasingly, A-List artists have been emerging from the shadows eager to show the world their talents as independent artists and sculptors – and not simply amateur ones it at that, but often accomplished artists in their own right who feel the time is now right for them to show their hitherto hidden talents to the world.
The combination of celebrity and art is certainly not new – it’s been around as long as there has been popular culture, however, the pairing normally revolved around the images of celebrities, rather than artwork they created themselves. Bert Stern’s ethereal images of Marilyn Monroe in The Last Sitting and Andy Warhol’s screen-prints of the star have been responsible for how the public views Marilyn – they have become an integral part of her visual legacy. Similarly, photographers such as Bob Willoughby, John Florea, Ron Galella and Terry O’Neill both documented and promoted the image of the Rat Pack and Hollywood royalty at its most glamorous height. These black and white photographs of celebrities at work and at play are arguably more popular today than when they were taken due to very successful commercial exploitation of photographic archives issuing photographs in a dizzying combination of sizes and edition numbers.
The modern cult of celebrity has definitely moved on since the golden age of showbiz, the carefully contrived, Hollywood images of stars are no longer enough for audiences who want to see a more complete picture of their heroes, to see what makes them tick behind the scenes. In this context, the fact that celebrities are increasingly confident to show their backstory and their other interests makes perfect sense. It also shouldn’t surprise us that these celebrities are multi-dimensional and multi-talented in various creative areas.
Below is a survey of 16 of the most famous celebrity artists, some of whom may know also as artists, but others perhaps not!
Pierce Brosnan
Pierce Brosnan’s journey into visual art began as a way to unwind between acting roles, but his abstract and colourful works have since gained acclaim. His paintings often reflect his Irish heritage and personal experiences, and he has auctioned several pieces for charitable causes. Brosnan’s use of vivid colour and dynamic brushstrokes creates an emotional impact, with works like Earplugs becoming standout pieces in his portfolio.
David Bowie
David Bowie’s artistic prowess extended far beyond music. His paintings, characterised by abstract and expressionist styles, often explored themes of identity, alienation, and transformation – concepts central to his music and era-defining personas. Bowie painted prolifically in the 1970s and 1980s and experimented with mixed media and screen-printing later in his career. His DHEAD series, which features distorted portraits, remains a standout body of work.
Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey’s politically charged paintings and satirical cartoons have garnered widespread attention. His large-scale works feature bold, expressive brushstrokes and vivid colours, often commenting on current events and figures. Carrey’s art has been displayed in galleries and shared extensively on social media, revealing his passion for activism through creativity.
Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp’s art career exploded with his Friends & Heroes series, where he painted pop art-style portraits of famous figures like Bob Dylan and Elizabeth Taylor. The vibrant, layered colours and dramatic brushstrokes give his work an electrifying quality. Depp’s limited-edition prints sold out within hours, proving his appeal extends far beyond the silver screen. Johnny has a highly lucrative deal with Castle Galleries in the UK who also represent Bob Dylan.
Bob Dylan
The iconic singer-songwriter and Nobel Prize winner, Bob Dylan, has spent decades creating visual art alongside his music career. His paintings and sketches are deeply rooted in American landscapes and culture, often depicting scenes of everyday life with a sense of nostalgia. Dylan’s work has been showcased in galleries worldwide, including London’s Halcyon Gallery. Arguably his most celebrated series is The Beaten Path – a collection of screenprints and watercolours depicting and unfolding portrait of the American landscape. Through sketches, watercolours and acrylics, Dylan plots a visual journey across the United States, finding beauty in the overlooked locations that form the backdrop of daily life for most citizens.
James Franco
James Franco’s multimedia art spans painting, film, and installation. His work often interrogates themes of celebrity culture, identity, and perception. Pieces like those in his New Film Stills series reimagine Cindy Sherman’s iconic work, questioning the roles of gender and fame.
Dennis Hopper
Dennis Hopper’s artistry spanned photography, painting, and sculpture, with his work capturing the countercultural zeitgeist of the 1960s and 1970s. His black-and-white photography, particularly, provides an intimate glimpse into the era’s art, music, and political movements. Hopper’s paintings often feature abstract forms and bold colours, echoing his experimental approach to filmmaking.
Jemima Kirke
Known for her role on Girls, Jemima Kirke is also a talented painter, producing figurative works that explore themes of femininity and intimacy. Her oil paintings, often of women in domestic settings, exude a quiet vulnerability. Kirke’s exhibitions have been praised for their emotional depth and technical skill.
Lucy Liu
Lucy Liu’s expressive paintings and sculptures draw on themes of identity, femininity, and cultural heritage. Her abstract works feature vibrant colours and intricate textures, while her sculptural pieces often incorporate found objects. Liu’s exhibitions, including shows at the National Museum of Singapore, have earned her significant acclaim.
Yoko Ono
Yoko Ono’s conceptual art is widely recognised for its innovative and interactive nature. From her groundbreaking Cut Piece performance to her instructional art books and installations, Ono has made a profound impact on the art world. Her works often revolve around themes of peace, connection, and healing, aligning with her advocacy for social justice. In 2019 Ono exhibited her powerful interactive installation, Add Color (Refugee Boat) to significant critical acclaim.
Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt’s venture into sculpture has received significant attention, particularly after his participation in an exhibition at Finland’s Sara Hildén Art Museum. His abstract sculptures, which often utilise raw, natural materials, explore themes of form, vulnerability, and decay. Pitt’s artistic endeavours demonstrate his deep interest in tactile, hands-on creativity.
Keith Richards
The legendary Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards is less prolific than his bandmate Ronnie Wood but is an avid drawer and sketcher. Richards’ work often includes personal motifs, such as sketches of guitars, cigarettes, and moments from his life. His loose, expressive linework mirrors his raw, unapologetic approach to music.
Silvester Stallone
Although he is lesser known as a painter, the Stallone has had been working quietly for decades as an artist – in fact he is on record as thinking he is a better artist than actor. He has had his expressionistic work exhibited in museums like the Nice Museum of Contemporary Art in France, and his paintings have been sold commercially in galleries and auctions. Billionaire art collector Steve Wynn has one of the “Rambo” star’s “Rocky” paintings in his collection at his Las Vegas casino
Before “Rocky” won the Oscar for best picture in 1977, Stallone painted a portrait of a boxer that was his inspiration to write the screenplay. He was also nominated that year for an Academy Award for his writing and acting. ‘I made a self-portrait with a more defined ‘pug face’ than I had back then, but to capture his sadness, I switched the brush with a screwdriver and carved the eyes,’ he said in 2021 of the “Rocky” painting.
On his Stallone Artwork Instagram page he wrote, “I painted this in 1974, before I wrote the script for Rocky, because I wanted to have a mental image of him in my mind, so this is the way I pictured him at the time…The eyes tell the story…”. Stallone told the outlet he was inspired by idolized figures like Hercules. “Both in art and film, I looked at figures like Spartacus or Hercules who radiated hyper-reality through their hyper-masculinity,” he said.
Ringo Starr
Ringo Starr’s visual art takes a colourful, whimsical approach, showcasing his playful personality. Initially dabbling in drawing during downtime on tour, Starr eventually embraced digital art. His works include bold, childlike designs and quirky portraits that reflect his sense of humour, which Starr sells limited-edition prints of his work to benefit charity.
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams blends his love of music, fashion, and art through collaborative projects with visual artists. His work often includes installations and sculptures, such as the vibrant, oversized chairs he designed for Galerie Perrotin. Williams’ art embodies his playful and innovative approach to creativity.
Ronnie Wood
Ronnie Wood, guitarist of The Rolling Stones, has been painting for most of his life. His artworks are vibrant and energetic, reflecting the dynamism of his music career. Wood frequently creates portraits of his bandmates, other musicians, and scenes from his life on tour. His lithographs, especially of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, are among his most popular works. His work has been exhibited in galleries globally, cementing his status as both a musician and a visual artist.
Ben is an established contemporary art specialist. He began his career working in the Old Master and 20th Century markets before moving into the contemporary market. He has over 20 years’ experience working in the UK and international art markets.