Martin Mull: The Joys of Indoor/Outdoor Living" - A Surreal Exploration of American Life
A new exhibit at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art will showcase the artwork of Martin Mull, known for his comedic roles in movies and TV shows. Titled "Martin Mull: The Joys of Indoor/Outdoor Living," the exhibit will feature over 50 paintings and drawings by Mull, highlighting his unique style that combines surreal elements with family themes. Co-curated by comedian Steve Martin and Hammer Museum Director Emerita Ann Philbin, the exhibit aims to shed light on Mull's legacy as an artist and painter.
The paintings in the exhibit depict scenes of everyday life with a twist, including unassuming houses with otherworldly guests, office workers with dead-eyed expressions, and gravity-defying displays. Mull's work plays with perspective, color, space, and time to explore postwar American tensions, touching on racial, political, and existential themes. The exhibit will occupy the museum's main galleries, spanning 6,000 square feet, and will run from June to October next year.
Steve Martin, a longtime friend of Mull, emphasized the importance of Mull's painting practice as his true passion, despite his fame as an actor and comedian. The upcoming exhibition will showcase Mull's technical skills and narrative storytelling through his artwork, offering a glimpse into his unique portrayal of American life. The paintings featured in the exhibit are sourced from Mull's estate and private collections of his entertainment industry colleagues, adding a personal touch to the showcase.
The collaboration between Martin and Philbin on the Mull exhibit follows their successful partnership on a previous exhibition at the Hammer Museum. Philbin, who retired as the Hammer's director in 2024, was inspired to curate the Mull show after seeing one of his paintings in Martin's dining room. The exhibit aims to challenge traditional notions of perfection and nostalgia, presenting Mull's work as a reflection of the underlying tensions in the American dream.
As the exhibit prepares to open next year, SBMA Chief Curator James Glisson and museum director Amada Cruz are leading the curatorial efforts to bring Mull's artwork back into the public eye. The exhibit promises to offer a thought-provoking and visually captivating experience for visitors, showcasing Mull's artistic talent and storytelling prowess. With its focus on Mull's legacy as a respected painter, the exhibit aims to elevate his artwork and highlight his contributions to the art world.
In conclusion, the upcoming exhibit at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art will celebrate the artistic legacy of Martin Mull, showcasing his unique paintings and drawings that blend surreal elements with family themes. Co-curated by Steve Martin and Ann Philbin, the exhibit will offer a comprehensive look at Mull's work as an artist, shedding light on his technical skills and narrative storytelling. Visitors can expect to be immersed in Mull's world of postwar American tensions and explore the complexities of everyday life through his thought-provoking artwork.