TIME TO BE SMILEY by Matt Smiley There comes a moment when you have to crack your own skull open and let the truth spill out, or it rots inside and finishes you off. That’s what painting is for me. Survival. People always ask what I’m trying to do with my art. It's simple: I’m trying to outrun the noise in my head. I grew up ski racing. One mistake and you’re wrapped around a fence. You learn fast that fear is negotiable if you train hard enough. That lesson never left me. Wh

This November, I'm beyond excited to share that I will be having my first New York solo exhibition: Time to Be Smiley , opening November 13, 2025 , at Time To Be Happy Gallery in New York. Official Invitation for It's Time to be Smiley As I prepared for the exhibition, I reflected on the role of community, time and connection. Art has the power to bring individuals together, sparking conversations and creating shared moments. I want to encourage you to think about your own re

Matt Smiley’s 'Down the Rabbit Hole' exhibit at the Mondrian LA blends surreal art with literary vibes.Think Alice in Wonderland meets Poe.

I’m thrilled to share with you my latest art exhibit, "Love, Nostalgia, & the Tempest of My Mind," now open at the 1 Hotel West Hollywood. This collection is deeply personal, weaving together memories, emotions, and cinematic moments that have shaped my journey as an artist. Through each piece, I’ve explored the characters, feelings, and dreams that have followed me throughout my life, blending neo-expressionism with post-pop modernism to create a visual narrative of my past