Hilton’s subject matter presents traditional yet surrealist depictions of morphed human figures and life forms, often juxtaposed with elements that challenge familiar interpretations of existence. Seemingly political in some cases Hilton never intends to exert a position with his art but instead provoke thought of cultural and societal issues in the current zeitgeist.

Gary Hilton (b. 1964, Vicksburg, Mississippi, U.S.A.) is a mixed media artist based in Denver, Colorado. Working across digital, acrylic, ink and collage, Hilton is best known for his figurative, dark and antique compositions grounded in a Southern Gothic surrealism. His work is defined by a contemporized old masters approach and is highly conceptual and macabre, relying on visual metaphor to narrate his message which often features multiple themes within a single composition.

His notable projects include Evocation, often reflecting on his own past this series is an ongoing collection that submits depictions of figures displaying subtle hints emotions and emotional trauma to invoke a feeling of tension for its viewer. Authors and Architects, an art series reimagining characters from classic literature in modern, visual contexts; Introspectagraph, a collection of metaphorical graphic and branded works addressing social issues and taboo topics; and American Fable, immersive therianthrope imagery displaying folk themes and elements, often baroque, combined with deep, cryptic lore.

Gary Hilton grew up in the Deep South amid the lingering presence of Civil War history. This undoubtedly influenced his gothic, macabre style displayed in his Victorian/Antebellum subjects as well as his pop art works. He studied fine arts with a concentration in graphic art and advertising, which led to a successful career in business and marketing. Throughout his professional life, he maintained an ongoing practice in the fine arts and has now turned his full attention to developing a dedicated and enduring career as a visual artist.