Singer Ed Sheeran is presenting a series of abstract paintings titled the “Cosmic Carpark Paintings” at Heni Gallery in London, with the exhibition opening this Friday. The works, made by dripping and splashing paint onto canvases placed on the floor, closely resemble Jackson Pollock’s drip paintings. Sheeran’s foundation is selling prints for £900 each, with 50% of proceeds benefiting UK schools. Sheeran told the Guardian he painted in a disused Soho car park during tour downtime, and the gallery’s press release describes the works as “inspired by celestial patterns” without mentioning Pollock.
The story matters because it highlights the intersection of celebrity culture and the art market, raising questions about artistic authenticity and critical reception. Guardian critic Jonathan Jones called the paintings “a slick con job,” while the works’ obvious debt to Pollock invites comparisons that Sheeran’s defenders may find unflattering. The exhibition also underscores how high-profile figures can leverage their fame to enter the art world, potentially diverting attention from established artists and sparking debate about what constitutes meaningful contemporary art.