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Oliver Jeffers, the renowned artist and author, is presenting his first exhibition in Belfast in over two decades, marking a significant homecoming. Now celebrated as a leading figure in children’s literature, Jeffers has sold eighteen million copies of his works globally. His cherished stories, including *Lost and Found*, *How to Catch a Star*, and *Here We Are*, have captured the imaginations of families worldwide. The exhibition, titled *Disasters and Interventions*, creatively reimagines serene scenes by introducing elements of chaos and disaster.
In this collection, Jeffers incorporates his own drawings into vintage photographs, dramatically altering their peaceful nature. For instance, an oil tanker is shown overturned in a tranquil lake, polluting the clear waters, while an airship crash-lands near oblivious golfers on a seaside course. Another image depicts a lone house on a hill being struck by lightning. When asked about the idea’s origin, Jeffers attributes it humorously to “Literally – the bin,” revealing that the concept emerged from discarded prints.
The project started when Jeffers found an old, weathered print in New York’s Chinatown that captivated him despite its decay. He brought it back to his studio and began adding painted elements, turning it into a playful experiment. “After a while, I realise that I seemed to be painting disaster scenes into all of these,” he reflected, aiming for an outcome that elicits a thoughtful smile rather than outright laughter. Over the course of 14 years, the project evolved as a reaction to global instability, serving as a prompt to consider that despite hardships, life remains worth celebrating.
Now back living in Northern Ireland after years in the United States, Jeffers expresses a deep affection for being home. Reflecting on his journey, he recalls discovering his passion for art around age 15 when a careers adviser suggested art college as a possibility. Storytelling naturally became integral to his creative work, a skill reinforced by the empathy and understanding required to engage audiences. He said, “It’s not that I discovered something – I re-remembered something,” emphasizing the innate human impulse to create from childhood.
The exhibition at the Naughton Gallery, Queen’s University, features familiar motifs, such as the red rocket from *How to Catch a Star*. In the piece *Down on the Range*, the rocket is depicted crashed beside a lake with mountainous scenery and grazing buffalo surrounding it. Jeffers explained that he enjoyed layering vibrant colors over faded backgrounds, making choices like the bright red rocket stand out vividly and harmoniously within the scene. The painting’s play with reflection and light created a sense of authenticity and fun.
A number of paintings in the exhibition spotlight the Titanic, Belfast’s most infamous ship. Rather than the typical image of the vessel sinking in the ocean, Jeffers places the Titanic in unusual landscapes such as deserts and valleys, creating new narratives around a well-known story. His works pay homage to Belfast’s rich tradition as a “city of storytellers.” Since returning to Northern Ireland, Jeffers values the slower pace and strong community spirit, something he recognizes as precious only after experiencing the hectic pace elsewhere. He hopes to support the flourishing talent among Northern Irish artists and storytellers.
Looking ahead, Jeffers plans to continue following his natural creative instincts, producing more books and artwork while remaining attentive to his surroundings. “That will involve more books, more art, and staying still and observing the world and those around me,” he shared. His exhibition offers a glimpse into an artist who embraces both his origins and the unpredictable nature of life through imaginative expression
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