Pop superstar Katy Perry was visibly amazed when Welsh artist Nathan Wyburn handed her a one-of-a-kind matchstick portrait backstage before her performance at Cardiff Castle. The artwork, inspired by her new single 'Watch It Burn,' was created using 30 boxes of matches in three different sizes and took approximately five hours to complete.
Artist's unique style
Nathan Wyburn, originally from Ebbw Vale and now based in Cardiff, is renowned for transforming everyday objects into striking celebrity portraits. One of his most famous pieces, a tribute to Oasis members Liam and Noel Gallagher made from hundreds of bucket hats, remains on display at St David's Centre. He has previously presented his work to acclaimed filmmaker Quentin Tarantino and Spider-Man actor Tom Holland.
The matchstick portrait
Explaining his choice of materials, Wyburn told WalesOnline: "The matches just seemed like the perfect thing to use. I love relating the quirky materials I use within my art to the subject matter." He admitted the process was "a little tricky," but noted that Katy Perry's "instantly recognisable face and features" made the task easier. The A40-sized portrait was created for the singer's latest single, 'Watch It Burn.'
Meeting with Katy Perry
Wyburn described the meeting as a "huge honour," having followed Perry's career "since the start." He arranged the encounter through her long-time manager. When presented with the artwork, Perry exclaimed: "Wow! How long did that take?" She joked: "Where's a lighter? I need to light this up... it'd be like, 'Baby, you're a firework.' This is super cool." Perry also revealed she was familiar with Wyburn's work, saying: "I saw your art on Instagram, and this isn't just your speciality – you work in lots of different mediums. You must have been a really fun six-year-old to babysit because you're crafty."
Behind the scenes
Wyburn laughed as he told the singer about his childhood art projects, noting that one of the strangest materials he has ever used was cat food. Reflecting on the meeting, he said: "I'd have loved to have seen her light it up, but obviously fire regulations wouldn't allow that to happen backstage." Perry was able to keep the portrait, which Wyburn called a "huge honour."
Future ambitions
Wyburn has no shortage of ambitions for future celebrity subjects. "Madonna would be the biggest," he said. "That would be an absolute dream. Also Harry Styles and Elton John would be a huge honour to meet. I've created several portraits of them over the years using things like lipstick, glitter, collage and feathers, so who knows? Maybe one day!"
