Key points
Ed Sheeran is exhibiting a series of abstract paintings at the Heni Gallery in London under the title Cosmic Carpark Paintings .
His works, close to the “drip painting” style of Jackson Pollock, focus on gesture and spontaneity.
No originals for sale , but prints at £900; 50% of the profits will be donated to British schools.
The criticism is divided : artistic sincerity for some, media opportunism for others.
The exhibition reopens the debate on the boundary between art, celebrity and legitimacy .
After conquering the world charts with his ballads, Ed Sheeran is now venturing into a completely different territory: abstract art. In London, the Heni Gallery is hosting his first exhibition of paintings, Cosmic Carpark Paintings , a series of canvases that combine splashes of paint, spontaneous gestures, and touches of visual mysticism. Far from his guitars and catchy choruses, the artist reveals an unexpected side of his creativity.
Splashes of color and implicit influences
At first glance, Sheeran's works irresistibly recall the gestural experiments of Jackson Pollock: projected painting, free movement, and the absence of figurative representation. Yet the exhibition is careful not to explicitly name the master of Abstract Expressionism. It prefers to evoke "cosmic landscapes ," "celestial textures," and a "documented projection style." A choice of vocabulary that seems to seek to evade direct comparison, while flirting with the obvious.
Limited editions sold for art education
The originals are not available for sale. Instead, the gallery is offering limited-edition prints , priced at 900 pounds sterling (about $1,200) . Half of the profits will be donated to British schools to support arts education, an area Sheeran has publicly championed several times. He particularly deplores the government's increasing disengagement from this sector, which he believes is crucial for the development of young talent.
A public success, divided critics
The exhibition has met with a certain popular enthusiasm, driven by the artist's fame. But critical opinions are much more divided.
Sheeran's approach raises a delicate debate: can artistic intent be separated from the artist's fame? Some hail it as a generous and accessible gesture , an honest attempt to bring art and pop culture into dialogue. Others see it as a manipulation of art as an extension of a personal brand. There's no denying that Sheeran's celebrity is attracting an audience that doesn't usually frequent galleries—a welcome opening for some, a distraction for others.
When art becomes an extension of identity
Ultimately, this pictorial foray seems driven more by the pleasure of creating than by the quest for artistic recognition . Sheeran's paintings do not claim to rival the masterpieces of the 20th century; rather, they demonstrate a desire to express himself differently, to liberate a raw and immediate gesture. And if they provoke controversy, it is undoubtedly because they embody this contemporary tension between personal expression, media strategy and the quest for meaning.
FAQ
What is the style of Sheeran's paintings?
They are part of an abstract expressionist tradition, with a strong influence of drip painting: projected paint, free gestures, splashes.
Where to see the exhibition?
At the Heni Gallery , in the heart of London.
Can we buy his works?
The originals are not for sale. Limited edition prints are available for £900 .
Why do the profits go to schools?
Ed Sheeran has been campaigning for several years for funding for arts education in the UK, which he believes is neglected.
What does the critic think?
Reactions are mixed. Some praise the approach as accessible and altruistic , while others denounce it as an art form devoid of substance, supported by celebrity .
Is Sheeran giving up music?
Not at all. He continues his musical career, but here explores another form of creative expression.
Nicolas Sarazin