Global popstar Ed Sheeran is venturing into other artistic mediums, launching an exhibition and print sale of his abstract ‘Cosmic Carpark Paintings’ to raise funds for his charity, the Ed Sheeran Foundation. The show opens at Heni Gallery in central London on July 11 and runs until August 1, with a special opening preview held today, July 10, from 2pm to 8pm.
The abstract works, which Sheeran describes as colourful, Pollock-inspired splashes of paint, will be available to view in person and purchase as limited-edition prints. Each print is priced at £900, with 50% of proceeds from both the exhibition and print sales going directly to the Ed Sheeran Foundation.
Formed in January 2025, the Ed Sheeran Foundation supports music education in state schools and grassroots youth organisations across the UK. Its mission is to highlight and expand access to music, particularly for young people, while advocating for music’s proven benefits to mental health, physical wellbeing, social connection, and future career opportunities. MXDWN’s initial coverage on the formation of the Ed Sheeran Foundation can be read here.
The global music star began painting during breaks in his touring and recording schedule and has increasingly turned to art as a creative outlet. Posting on Instagram, Sheeran explained the origins of the exhibition: “So last year in between shows I was doing these paintings. I love painting, more for fun and to give to friends, but this time I was encouraged to do a show of them by @damienhirst and @heni. I paint when I’m not working on a record, just to do something creative with my brain. And it’s mostly just splashing colours on canvases, think Jackson Pollock but with colourful house paint.”
He added: “I am by no means ‘an artist’, but I do love making art, it makes me feel great, and I love the end result. The paintings are for sale if anyone fancies it, and my proceeds from them will all go into the @edsheeranfnd so art will fund art. I like the idea of that. There’s also prints and other merch available, all quite fun. If you happen to be in soho over the next month pop in.”
This isn’t Sheeran’s first foray into visual art. In 2020, he donated a painting to a charity auction that raised £40,000, and he has designed several of his own album and EP covers including the art for his 2021 single ‘Afterglow’.
His foundation work aligns with his wider campaign to improve access to music education. Earlier this year, Sheeran joined artists including Sir Elton John in calling on the UK government to invest £250 million in youth music programmes. MXDWN’s full coverage of the campaign can be read here.
