Pogo the Clown, self-portrait by John Wayne Gacy (more) John Wayne Gacy’s Artwork Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/John-Wayne-Gacys-Artwork Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Written by Amy Tikkanen Amy Tikkanen is Managing Editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica. Amy Tikkanen Fact-checked by Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Oct. 10, 2025 •History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Few criminals in American history have inspired as much horror—and morbid fascination—as John Wayne Gacy. Convicted in 1980 of murdering 33 boys and young men, he spent most of his remaining years on death row at Menard Correctional Center in Illinois. There he became a prolific painter. It is estimated that he created some 2,000 works, often depicting clowns (notably his “Pogo the Clown” persona), skulls, celebrities, and historical figures. Gacy’s artwork found enthusiastic buyers,...

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