Harman Projects is pleased to announce Princess, a solo exhibition by Los Angeles-based artist Matthew Grabelsky. Known for his surreal, hyper-realistic scenes that blend the everyday with the extraordinary, Grabelsky unveils a new body of work that reimagines iconic Disney Princesses as contemporary women navigating the modern world. The exhibition marks Grabelsky’s latest exploration of myth, identity and modern life through his signature blend of classical realism and surreal, narrative forward imagery.

In his latest series, Grabelsky transports these beloved figures from their fairy-tale origins into present-day settings, asking viewers to reconsider who these women might be if encountered on the street today. While echoes of enchantment remain, these women are unmistakably contemporary. Each painting is infused with subtle visual clues that allude to the characters’ histories and origins.

Through meticulous oil painting techniques inspired by Old Master traditions, he pairs classical precision with playfulness and humor. Grabelsky also situates the series within a broader artistic lineage. Drawing on the ancient Greek belief that comedy and tragedy are inseparable, he contrasts the seriousness often found in contemporary art with a lighter, more mischievous sensibility. By doing so, the artist aims to reveal the humanity behind mythology’s most recognizable heroines.

Myth, folklore and fairy tales have always fascinated me. They capture broad themes and character traits through fantastical tales, and because they’ve been retold for generations, they remain endlessly open to interpretation.

(Matthew Grabelsky)