50 for 50: Mike O'Brien

Mike O’Brien’s exhibition presents paintings and prints that combine the vivid colors and playful spirit of 1990s cartoons with the strong outlines of American traditional tattoo art. The work explores shared qualities between cartoons and tattoos, including bold colors, thick lines, symbolic imagery, humor, and ideas that can appeal across generations.

O’Brien creates skulls that feel friendly rather than frightening and monsters that convey the comfort of childhood cartoons. Their practice reflects a desire to make art for people of all ages and backgrounds while connecting adult experiences with the inner child. The exhibition is part of Touchstone Gallery’s “50 for 50,” a 2026 opportunity featuring 50 community artists in honor of the gallery’s 50th anniversary.

When: Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM through Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM

Reception: October 8 from 5:00 to 7:30 PM

Artist: Mike O’Brien

Work: Paintings and prints featuring cartoon-inspired characters, skulls, monsters, symbols, and hand-drawn compositions influenced by both childhood animation and tattoo culture

Artist background: O’Brien began making art in Washington, D.C., during the 2010s by screen-printing posters for punk bands and wheatpasting them around the city. Their work is recognized for its hand-drawn line and lettering style and has appeared in exhibitions at Touchstone, Transformer, Strathmore, Washington Studio School, Umbrella Art Fair, Thundershark Gallery, Rhizome, Homme, Dwightmess, the Fridge, and the DC Lowbrow Invitational.

Series: “50 for 50” showcases 50 community artists at Touchstone Gallery throughout 2026, marking the gallery’s 50th anniversary.

Tickets: Price not available

Venue: Touchstone Gallery

Address: 901 New York Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20001