Big Jeff announces first solo exhibition
This exhibition brings my world to life, shining 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 The exhibition entitled ‘Welcome To My World’ has been about expressing emotions I can’t explain another way. These paintings highlight will see the unveiling of 20 new paintings my issues with hidden anxiety and mental alongside the first 14 paintings from phase health and the barrier these create. Art for me one of the collection from the artist, well is about creating space for myself and using known as one of Bristol’s best known music aficionados. There will also be an opportunity my creativity to find my voice. At times this to see the new and existing works online with can be intimidating.” Two years in the making, the collection features 34 artworks to chalJeff talking about some of the paintings and lenge perceptions of anxiety, which is being what they mean to him. experienced by so many after the events of The paintings, some of which have a musical the last 18 months. The full collection will be influence, were created to surprise and chal- exhibited alongside a programme of events and special guest appearances at The Island. lenge the viewer, instigating conversations Many of the paintings represent moments about mental health and inspiring people in captured from or inspired by many of the city’s similar situations to make art themselves. music venues, where Jeff can often be found, right in front of the stage. Big Jeff Johns explains: Prolific Bristol music fan Big Jeff invites Bristol to his world for one week, as he launches his first solo exhibition at The Island from 16th - 21st November 2021 which will be free to attend.
"Welcome to my world, the full edition. I’m excited to exhibit these paintings together for the first time and introduce people to a side of me they don’t know. 24
Big Jeff has also invited charities working in Bristol to curate events and experiences alongside the exhibition. OTR will invite young people to experience the exhibition with an exclusive event. Big Issue sellers will have pitches at the exhibition throughout the week.
