Gregory Arth
1955–
Whether it’s larger-than-life murals or a collage of repurposed circuit boards forming a robot, Gregory Arth captivates the imagination by exploring the beauty of technology.
READ MORE +Personal History
Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on October 17, 1955, Arth and his family moved to Texas when he was 2 years old. At a young age, Arth demonstrated talent in drawing and painting. When he traveled to Europe in the mid-1970s to visit family, he was awed by the artwork he viewed.
Arth’s father, a geophysicist, did not want him to become an artist, but Arth couldn’t deny or curtail his creativity. He studied drama and fine art in high school, then briefly at the American School in London and the University of Texas at Arlington. He designed sets, theatrical backdrops, murals, and paintings, leading to professional opportunities designing sets and backdrops for movie studios, ballets, operas, and companies including Six Flags Corporation and Cinemark Theaters.
“Even the discouragement from my father was not enough to stop me from making a life as an artist,” Arth says.
Arth and his family currently live in Colleyville near Ft. Worth, Texas.
Style and Influences
Arth loves the fascinating complexity of circuit boards, often using them to portray themes of technology. Through the deconstruction and assemblage of technology, Arth transforms ordinary and utilitarian objects into dynamic and textured art.
Arth began using circuit boards in the early 1990s when he realized circuit boards bear an uncanny resemblance to an aerial view of a city. Arth gathers his supplies through recycling companies dealing in computer parts, often searching for specific shapes, colors, and unusual pieces to incorporate.
Through a fusion of collage and paint, he began creating cityscapes. Since then, he has expanded this technological theme to depict robots, “space cowboys,” and American flags.
“I’ve been asked many times why I do what I do. I can’t say I know exactly,” Arth says. “I was born with the need to create things.”
During his visits to Europe, Arth became fascinated by works from John Singer Sargent, Gustav Klimt, Michelangelo, Raphael, Vincent van Gogh, as well as African art. Contemporary artist Chuck Close also inspires Arth with his colorful grid paintings.
Arth credits his older brother, who once worked an artist, as one of his biggest influences for deciding to become an artist.
Accomplishments
- Arth’s works are displayed in galleries, offices, and restaurants and are collected around the world.
- In 2015, he was the official artist for the spring Bayou City Art Festival in Houston.
