Ed Sheeran Launches First Art Exhibition in London

London – Known worldwide for his music, Ed Sheeran is now stepping into the visual arts world with a new exhibition in central London.

The pop star’s debut art show, titled The Cosmic Carpark Paintings, opened on July 11 at Heni Gallery in Soho. The collection features a series of abstract, brightly colored paintings created by Sheeran during breaks in his music career. Proceeds from the exhibition will support his charitable foundation, which funds music education projects across the UK.

Sheeran began painting in 2019 after completing his multi-year Divide tour. With touring paused, particularly during the pandemic, he took up painting regularly as a creative outlet.

The works on display were created in 2023 in an unused car park in London, where Sheeran reportedly spent his mornings painting between concert dates. The result is a series of bold, expressive pieces, many of which reflect cosmic and atmospheric themes.

“I started painting at the end of my Divide Tour in 2019 and it’s something that I’ve used as a creative outlet ever since,” Sheeran said in a statement.

Though the paintings were initially made for friends and family, Sheeran decided to show the collection publicly after encouragement from artist Damien Hirst and gallerist Joe Hage. The exhibition now serves as a fundraiser for the Ed Sheeran Foundation, a registered charity focused on improving access to music education for children.

Prints of the artworks are being sold for $400 each, with Sheeran’s earnings going to the foundation. Original works are also available by application through the gallery’s sales platform.

The exhibition is open daily and runs until August 1. Admission is free.

Photo Source: HENI / Rose Eclarinal