Mat Cahill

British artist Mat Cahill is known for his illustrative drawings that document issues concerning contemporary society, from identity and individuality, to anonymity and masculinity. Characterised by groups of figures, abstracted forms and patterned portraits, Mat’s style encourages the viewer to delve into our own place in society and our relationship with the crowd mentality. With drawings that often follow a grid format, or a crowded composition, Mat intricately creates complex and detailed pieces of art, sometimes taking up to 400 hours each to complete.

Mat Cahill’s Education and Career

Born in 1984 in Lancashire, Mat grew up surrounded by art and creativity as his father was a ceramicist and an art teacher and his mother taught English. After spending his childhood drawing, painting and designing, Mat went to Loughborough University to study Fine Art Painting before going on to complete an MA at Wimbledon College of Art. Throughout his studies, Mat began showing his work in exhibitions and by 2008 he was working as Damien Hirst’s studio assistant. Over the past ten years, Mat’s signature illustrative style has become established internationally and has led to shows across London, Manchester and Hong Kong.

Artistic Inspiration

Over the course of his career, Mat has been inspired by a range of artists, citing Nicholas Bourriaud, Jeremy Deller, Jean Michel Basquiat and David Hockney as particularly influential to his practice. His art looks at all aspects of contemporary culture, from pop music to folk culture.

Take a look at 13 Questions with Mat Cahill and learn more about the artist.