06/11/2026
“Martin Mull’s surreal and haunting images have a simmering—sometimes even sinister—tension and feel oddly resonant in this moment.”— Ann Philbin, Director Emerita of the Hammer Museum and co-curator of “Martin Mull: The Joys of Indoor/Outdoor Living.”
Best known for roles in Clue, Roseanne, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Martin Mull also left behind a significant body of work as a serious painter. Opening at SBMA in June 2027, this exhibition brings together more than 50 rarely seen paintings from private collections.
Co-Curated by Ann Philbin and Steve Martin, who knew Mull for more than 50 years and closely followed his parallel career as an artist, the exhibition is presented in close collaboration with James Glisson, SBMA's Chief Curator.
📆 June 27 – October 17, 2027, at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art
📚 The exhibition will be accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue featuring texts by Steve Martin, Dave Hickey, James Glisson, and additional contributors. Designed by Purtill Family Business and published by DelMonico Books, the catalogue will be released in June 2027.
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Credits:
1. Martin Mull, October (Majorette), 2007. Oil on linen, 60 x 72 in. Collection of Claudia and Kevin Bright. © Estate of Martin Mull.
2. Martin Mull, Envy, 2008, from the series "Seven Deadly Sins.” Oil on linen, 30 x 40 in. Collection of Steve Martin. © Estate of Martin Mull.
3. Martin Mull, Band on the Run, 2014. Oil on panel, 30 x 40 in. Private Collection. © Estate of Martin Mull.
