“Man is least himself when he talks in his own person.
Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.”
Oscar Wilde
★ ★ ★ ★ “More profound than a gallery” ★ ★ ★ ★ “Honestly mind-blowing” ★ ★ ★ ★ “Highly recommend.” ★ ★ ★ ★ “Striking emotional depth.” ★ ★ ★ ★
Unmask Yourself.
Step into the Stories You’ve Been Hiding.
Experience a groundbreaking interactive virtual exhibition by Gregory Malphurs
—an artist redefining portraiture
Why MASKS?
You’ve worn masks.
So have I.
Every day, in ways big and small—
We hide, edit, protect, present.
This exhibition isn’t about the masks themselves.
It’s about what happens when they slip.
Each portrait in MASKS peels away the surface.
Fragments. Layers. Half-truths.
I didn’t create these pieces to show you faces,
I created them to show you what’s beneath.
To invite you to stand still long enough
To recognize something you’ve been hiding from yourself.
Okay. But why should I give a f*#k?
"You can follow the map. Or you can burn it."
Most paintings today? Safe. Predictable. Polished.
They follow a reference, trace the light, color inside the lines.
Impressive, maybe.
But safe art doesn't move you. It doesn't rattle you. It doesn't speak.
I didn't become an artist to recreate reality.
I became an artist to break it open.
That's what led me to create MASKS:
No safety net.
Just canvas, paint, and raw, unfiltered instinct.
This isn't photorealism. It's emotional realism.
It's what happens when you stop painting what you see—and start painting what you feel.
What You'll Get Inside:
🎥 Behind-the-Scenes of MASKS — Where Raw Emotion Meets Timeless Technique
Step inside the studio for a 20-minute, unfiltered look at the real process behind MASKS—no perfect lighting, no curated edits. Just the raw, exposed truth of what it takes to tear through comfort zones and make something real. As you witness the layers unfold, you’ll also discover the centuries-old technique of grisaille—the method Old Masters like Caravaggio and Pieter Brueghel the Elder used to achieve striking photorealism. You’ll see how light, layering, and instinct collide to create emotional depth that still moves us today—and you’ll start recognising the places where you’ve been too careful, too curated, too safe. Watch if you’re ready to tear down your own masks, not just mine.
📚 Crack Yourself Open with The Human Mosaic Manifesto + 18 Interactive Prompts
Not another art catalog. Not another guide. The Human Mosaic is a 23-page pdf manifesto that is included with your exhibition. Built to shake you awake— the manifesto combines raw, unfiltered reflections on identity and fractured beauty with 18 interactive prompts that don’t just ask questions… they provoke revelations. This isn’t about learning who I am. It’s about finally meeting the parts of yourself you’ve been avoiding. Download it to stop skimming the surface — and start excavating the real you.
🎥 See the Truth Behind the Faces—And Your Own
Most people glance at a portrait and move on. In this short video, you’ll learn how to truly see—to decode the hidden emotions, the unspoken stories, and the fractures behind even the most familiar faces. From da Vinci’s elusive expressions to Jung’s belief that masks reveal as much as they conceal, you’ll uncover how great portraits reflect emotions, histories, and parts of ourselves we often overlook. Along the way, you’ll realize that portraits don’t just reveal others—they reveal us. By the end, you won’t just see art differently. You’ll see the world, and your own reflection, with sharper, deeper eyes.
📚 Crack Yourself Open with The Human Mosaic Manifesto + 18 Interactive Prompts
Not another art catalog. Not another guide. The Human Mosaic is a 23-page pdf manifesto that is included with your exhibition. Built to shake you awake— the manifesto combines raw, unfiltered reflections on identity and fractured beauty with 18 interactive prompts that don’t just ask questions… they provoke revelations. This isn’t about learning who I am. It’s about finally meeting the parts of yourself you’ve been avoiding. Download it to stop skimming the surface — and start excavating the real you.
Studies show that 71% of people feel art helps them better understand themselves or see parts of their identity they hadn't recognized before (National Endowment for the Arts)
Why Masks Matter Now More Than Ever
Masks aren’t new.
They’re ancient. Personal. Political. Performative. It’s the paradox—by concealing, you reveal.
By covering, you become unmistakable.
"No one cared who I was until I put on the mask." Batman, The Dark Knight Rises
In a recent piece by the Financial Times, artists and thinkers unpack how masks amplify identity rather than hide it.
From Björk’s ornate facial pieces to MF Doom’s iconic mask, artists across history have used masks not to disappear, but to expose deeper truths.
That tension is at the heart of my MASKS series.
For the full article, read it here: Financial Times on Masks in Art
A great portrait isn’t just a painting—it’s a doorway.
When you look closely, you’re invited to step through and explore the layers beneath the surface. It’s like seeing a reflection that isn’t quite your own, but somehow, it speaks to you. You catch a glimpse of raw emotions, hidden stories, and the quirks that make us all beautifully complex. And in that moment, you’re not just looking at them—you’re discovering parts of yourself.
Portraits have this incredible way of making us feel connected. They remind us that behind every face is a history, a struggle, a joy, or a secret we might recognize in our own lives. They invite us to imagine, to empathize, to appreciate the details and the diversity of human expression. They’re time capsules, too—capturing the essence of a moment, a person, or a feeling, and preserving it for us to revisit, reflect on, and maybe even learn from.
Ultimately, portraiture is a celebration of what it means to be human. It lets us pause, connect, and marvel at the fact that while we’re all different, we share so much more than we think. And that’s what makes them so special—they don’t just show faces; they reveal truths.
These aren't just paintings. They're stories.
And every story has the power to change you, if you let it.
Step inside and discover what's waiting to be revealed.
Here's what they're saying:
“These portraits stir something in me, they evoke certain feelings … really inspiring.”
“Each one of these captures the tension between identity and concealment with a striking emotional depth.”
“I found it extremely interesting and I highly recommend that you take this journey.”
"This virtual exhibition is … more profound than going to a gallery or museum."
“Honestly mind blowing … I’m now thinking about the masks I wear daily.”
Questions & Answers
-
This isn’t just an exhibition; it’s an immersive experience. You’ll go into Gregory’s studio and learn how these original works were made. Plus you’ll dive deep into Gregory’s Art Manifesto, which offers insights into the art’s meaning and your own journey. You’re investing in art that challenges, inspires, and connects with you in ways nothing else can.
-
In short, NO. You can use your mobile device or personal computer with no other equipment needed. Although we recommend using your personal computer for the best experience.
-
Sure, but free art can’t offer the exclusivity, depth, or personal connection of this curated experience. This exhibition isn’t just about looking—it’s about feeling, discovering, and finding parts of yourself reflected in Gregory’s work. And it’s only available here, for a limited time.
-
The MASKS series is designed to resonate on a personal level. It explores emotions, identity, and the layers we all carry. Even if the stories you uncover aren’t exactly like Gregory’s, they’ll still reflect something meaningful in your own life. That’s the power of this art.
-
Great question! This is about creating an intimate, meaningful experience. By limiting access, we ensure that those who join are truly engaged and ready to connect deeply with the art. It’s not just another exhibit—it’s a space for reflection and discovery.
-
Virtual doesn’t mean less powerful. You can experience this art at your own pace, in your own space. Plus, Gregory’s Art Manifesto gives you a direct connection to his vision and process, making it personal and profound. The impact is in how it makes you feel, not where you see it.
-
Gregory’s art goes beyond the canvas. His modern take on portraiture reveals the layers of human complexity, inviting you to explore your own story. This isn’t just about owning or viewing art—it’s about connecting to it on a personal, emotional level.
-
It’s available for a limited time, so don’t miss it! We’ll let you know the exact dates in your invitation email.
-
Think of it this way: You’re not just paying for access—you’re investing in an experience that stays with you. The emotions, insights, and reflections you’ll gain from this series are far more valuable than any physical object.
-
That’s the beauty of the MASKS series—there’s no right or wrong way to experience it. Gregory’s Art Manifesto provides context and inspiration, but the meaning is yours to uncover. It’s about what the art makes you feel, not about “getting it right.”
-
No worries! If you have any trouble accessing the exhibition or the manifesto, just reach out to our support team. We’re here to help: gmstudiomanager@gmail.com
About Gregory
Gregory Malphurs doesn’t just paint faces—he paints what lies beneath them. His portraiture abandons the polished, the safe, the predictable. Instead, he dives headfirst into the messy, layered realities that make us human, breaking through the surface to reveal the hidden stories we carry.
His latest solo show at Gallery 612 in Los Angeles, and his feature in the Oceanside Museum of Art’s More Disruption: Representational Art in Flux, are testaments to this raw, emotional realism. Gregory’s paintings aren’t traced from reference photos or bound by outlines—they’re born from instinct, from a refusal to recreate reality and a hunger to crack it wide open. His work has found its way into collections across the United States, Europe, South America, and Australia—reaching those who crave art that moves them.
From his studio in Central LA, Gregory continues the quiet rebellion: painting not what is seen, but what is felt. You can follow the map—or you can set it on fire.
