Striking Abstraction: Tyler Upchurch’s Unique Take on Familiar Faces

Tyler Upchurch is an artist and designer who reimagines some of the world’s most iconic figures through a bold, abstract lens. He creates intriguing portraits of sports legends, celebrities and beloved fictional characters by stripping his subjects down to sharp forms while removing defining facial features like eyes and mouths. Yet somehow, his angular compositions remain incredibly recognizable, whether it’s Michael Jordan mid-air or LeBron James in full focus.

Tyler’s creations are like puzzles where the pieces seem to click together haphazardly to form striking, edgy portraits. His lineup of faces is engaging and diverse, featuring everyone from basketball legends to F1 superstar Lewis Hamilton and pop culture favorites like the cast of Severance. You can always find a familiar personality gazing back at you, even without the usual markers of expression.

Over the years, his distinctive style has caught the eye of big names, leading to collaborations with ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and major sports leagues like the NBA, NFL and MLB.

If you’re interested in exploring more of Tyler Upchurch’s art, be sure to check out his website.

More digital art via Instagram