Background Bob returns

Guess who’s back?

In Autumn 2020, Colchester’s Firstsite opened @background_bob and his amazing friends, a unique collaboration between a young disabled artist from Essex and 200 prominent street artists from across the world, plus members of the public and key workers. It caused a sensation, with the show also helping to raise over £100,000 for local charities, when many of the artworks sold in an online auction.

Now, the irrepressible youngster returns with a new show @background_bob and his amazing friends – Guess who’s back! the title inspired by hip hop legend Eminem’s hit Without Me with even more contributing artists and more than 200 stunning artworks to enjoy at Firstsite now until January 9th.

The project began during the height of the first lockdown, when Colchester-based Noah – AKA @background_bob – was unable to attend his school and started painted on cardboard as something fun to do, while at home. Using a signature palette of bright colours, Noah paints bold, confident abstract shapes, which collaborators are then invited to use as backgrounds for their own artworks. immediately. This then mushroomed to a remarkable 240 unique images co-created by Noah and artists from across the world, including the UK, Colombia, Italy, Spain, France, Sweden, Germany, the USA and Australia. For the new exhibition, a staggering 700 artists responded to Noah and Nathan’s latest invitation, with tattooists, sculptors and fine artists, creating a broad variety of exciting new pieces for the Firstsite show.

Once again, leading international street and graffiti artists have contributed work including Inkie, Fanakapan, Akut, Ben Eine, Insane51, Super A, James Bullough and Snik. The artworks include animals, dinosaurs and TV and comic book characters along with public figures, familiar faces from TV, music and film and much more!

The exhibition will again raise money for the Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity, with the artworks available to bid for online after the exhibition has closed in January. There will also be a new book to purchase, available from participating outlets, including the gallery’s own shop.

Artist: Darren Lee Goddard Artist: Olivia Bogen

For more information follow @firstsite on Twitter, @firstsitecolchester on Instagram, like the Firstsite Colchester Facebook page or visit firstsite.uk