Big Jeff is bringing his solo art exhibition to The Island in November
Posted on: 28 Sep 2021The popular Bristol gig-goer and artist will be unveiling 20 new paintings, alongside 14 from his first collection.
Well-known Bristol music fan Big Jeff Johns has announced plans to bring his first-ever solo art exhibition to The Island later this year, showcasing a full collection of original work at the city centre gallery space from 16 - 21 November.
Entitled 'Welcome To My World', the free-to-attend show will consist of 20 never-before-seen paintings, as well as 14 unveiled as part of phase one of the project.
Those who are unable to visit the gallery in person - or don't yet feel comfortable doing so - can explore the full exhibition online and listen to Jeff discuss some of his paintings and what they mean to him here.
Happy to announce a brand new exhibition from Big Jeff on 16th - 21st November with Free Entry and all of the 34 paintings in the collection! ????
— Big Jeff Johns Art (@BigJeffJohnsArt) September 27, 2021
We look forward to seeing some old and new faces ??
Phases 2 & 3 of the collection will be revealed online????https://t.co/RVXDsrOuiZ pic.twitter.com/FJaIeU6wAe
The paintings produced as part of the 'Welcome To My World' collection were created to surprise and challenge the viewer, spark conversations about mental health and inspire people in similar situations to make art themselves.
Two years in the making, and often with some form of musical influence, the 34 featured artworks tackle perceptions of anxiety, which is particularly relevant after the events of the last 18 months.
Speaking ahead of November's opening, Jeff says he's "excited to exhibit these paintings together for the first time and introduce people to a side of me they don’t know.
"This exhibition brings my world to life, shining a light on things I find difficult. This includes love and joy and everything else.
“I use drawing and painting as a form of self-reflection. A lot of my work echoes my struggles around feeling like I don’t fit into this world. Art for me has been about expressing emotions I can’t explain another way.
"These paintings highlight my issues with hidden anxiety and mental health and the barrier these create. Art for me is about creating space for myself and using my creativity to find my voice. At times this can be intimidating.”
A number of Bristol-based charities will also be involved to curate events and experiences alongside the exhibition, including OTR, who will invite young people to an exclusive viewing event, and Big Issue, who will have pitches on-site throughout the week.
Talk Club and Running Punks will both host events as part of the exhibition, while Gig Buddies will invite their members and volunteers for an exclusive viewing and Meet & Greet session with Jeff.
For more information on 'Welcome To My World', to follow news and updates during the leadup to the exhibition, or to get your hands on limited-edition signed prints, head to Big Jeff's website or follow him on Twitter.
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Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.
