Two of the most prolific and widely collected artists working in America today. Both arrived in Washington, DC in 1989. Over three decades and more than 20,000 original paintings later, they now share a downtown studio five blocks from the White House. Their art is collected in private homes across six continents.
Matt Sesow and Dana Ellyn each moved to Washington, DC in 1989 — years before they met. They married in 2010 and have shared a studio in downtown Washington, DC since 2017. Their combined body of work exceeds 23,000 original paintings, collected in private homes and public institutions across six continents. They paint independently, pursuing distinct artistic visions, and together as collaborators in the ongoing DEFILED series.
Neither artist is represented by a gallery. Both sell directly to collectors worldwide through their own websites, shipping original paintings to doorsteps around the world.
Self-taught painter known for bold, emotionally charged work that confronts personal trauma, political unrest, and social commentary. Since 1994, Sesow has created tens of thousands of paintings from his downtown DC studio. His work incorporates recurring symbols — trauma cups, bunnies, defiant figures — that reflect his journey, including surviving a childhood accident that resulted in the loss of his dominant hand. His relentless output and international collector base have made him one of the most successful living artists in the District.
Narrative painter celebrated for provocative, research-driven artworks that challenge societal norms, political systems, and cultural taboos. Ellyn brings a background in art history and a daily painting discipline spanning 25+ years, blending sharp satire with emotional depth. Her paintings — focused on themes including animal rights, religion, politics, and feminism — have been exhibited internationally and featured in museums, universities, and media worldwide. A vital and independent voice in the DC art scene and beyond.
Beyond their individual practices, Sesow and Ellyn create work that could only exist through partnership.
The duo reimagines iconic portraits, religious figures, and historical imagery by painting over and into each other's work with expressive, irreverent interventions. Each piece is a conversation — unpredictable, confrontational, and unrepeatable.
View DEFILED PaintingsA decade-long painting project rooted in political and personal urgency. Each July, both artists painted one piece per day — 31 total — each inspired by that day's front-page headline. Over ten years, the project produced hundreds of works documenting a nation in real time.
Visit 31 Days in July916 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Five blocks from the White House. Working studio since 2003.
Studio visits available by appointment.
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