Joe Gilgun: From Screen Star to Acclaimed Artist

A Rookery - Acrylic on Canvas

Many will know Joseph Gilgun from his unforgettable roles in TV shows like This Is England, Preacher, and most recently, Brassic. A standout in his performances, Gilgun brings a raw, emotional depth to every character he portrays. Whether it’s the vampiric Cassidy from Preacher or the lovable rogue Vinnie in Brassic, his talent is undeniable. Yet, fewer people are aware of another side to Gilgun—a side that delves deep into the darkest corners of his psyche, expressed not through acting, but through his extraordinary art.

Despite claiming, “I don’t know what I’m doing,” Joe Gilgun has emerged as a remarkably talented self-taught artist. His work resonates with a rawness that feels both personal and universal, blending elements of street, abstract, and fine art. It’s clear that his experiences—particularly his battles with mental health—are intricately woven into every stroke of the brush.

Working out of his home studio in Manchester, Gilgun uses whatever materials are at hand—acrylics, spray paint, charcoal, or even unconventional items like tea and spit. His art, often painted on unconventional surfaces like salvaged bed sheets and broken gates, reflects the unpredictability and chaos of the world he navigates. This resourcefulness isn’t just an artistic quirk; it’s a testament to how art, for him, becomes a means of catharsis in moments of deep anxiety or isolation.

A Rookery (2024)

One of Gilgun's standout pieces, A Rookery, captures the essence of his artistic voice: unfiltered, emotive, and painfully raw. The large canvas (60 x 70 inches) pulls the viewer into a chaotic scene of fractured, haunting faces—distorted figures clad in blue, looming over a solitary childlike figure on the far right. The piece evokes a sense of disconnection and alienation, yet there’s a fragile vulnerability running through it.

The recurring theme of identity and inner turmoil is palpable here. Gilgun’s inspiration for A Rookery—“We all have an inner child, mine’s sick of the city and wants to go home”—is brought to life through the disjointed imagery, where adult figures appear grotesque, worn, and weathered. Their twisted, mask-like expressions suggest a loss of innocence, a smothering of that childlike purity trapped within.

The use of muted tones in the background contrast with the stark, expressive blues of the figures amplifies the work’s intensity. The almost chaotic brushwork paired with intricate, lined details in the faces creates a visual tension—there’s beauty within the disorder, but also a clear commentary on the pressures of modern urban life.

In A Rookery, the isolated child on the right, smaller and more distant from the cluster of adults, draws our empathy. This figure seems to represent the inner child Joe mentions, overwhelmed by the city’s harshness yet still clinging to a fragile hope of returning ‘home’—a state of simplicity or peace long abandoned.

The acrylic medium allows for bold texture and layering, enhancing the abstract elements of the piece. Every brushstroke feels purposeful yet spontaneous, a reflection of Gilgun’s approach to life and art: messy, unpredictable, and deeply human.

The Man Behind the Art

While many may come to know Joe Gilgun through his acting, it’s his art that offers a more intimate glimpse into his world. His pieces speak to anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by the cacophony of modern existence or struggled to reconcile their inner self with the expectations of the world around them.

His work is currently being presented by the George Thornton Art Gallery, further solidifying his place in the contemporary art world. A Rookery is a prime example of his ability to translate personal demons into something both haunting and beautiful, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, art can be a source of redemption.

In the same way that his character Cassidy in Preacher stood out for his complexity and wit, Gilgun’s art shines through in its unapologetic rawness, revealing yet another layer of this multi-faceted artist.

Joe’s artworks are available to buy but be quick, they won’t be around for long.