Big Jeff: Bristol’s gig legend opens first solo art exhibition called Welcome To My World

Bristol gig legend Big Jeff Johns has unveiled his first solo exhibition, called Welcome To My World, at The Island, in Nelson Street.

His artwork, some of which have a musical influence, was created to surprise and challenge the viewer, instigate conversations about mental health and inspire people in similar situations to get creative themselves.

Much of it was done during lockdown when, with gigs cancelled, Jeff previously told BristolWorld he felt motivated to get creative to portray his own struggles with anxiety after watching live streams of other artists.

The exhibition, which has been two years in the making, features 34 artworks to challenge perceptions of mental health problems - something Big Jeff believes more people are dealing with due to the pandemic.

Many of the paintings represent moments captured from or inspired by many of the city’s music venues, where Jeff can often be found, right in front of the stage.

Charities close to Jeff’s heart are heavily involved.

One of them is children’s mental health charity Off The Record, which Jeff says has helped him, adding ‘I wouldn’t be where I am today without them’.

For Jeff, the overwhelming sense of pride that he feels at having is work on show makes all the past troubles he has faced worth it.

He said: “I am finally in a place where I can say that my artwork is good and for people to come to see it makes feel very proud of myself.”

Big Jeff Johns exhibition will run at ‘The Island’ until November 21.