Culture news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Giant pink mammoth and BBC Ceefax – Joe Lycett unveils first major solo art exhibition
Comedian and artist Joe Lycett has opened his first major solo art exhibition, "Everything Must Go", at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, in his home city. Lycett said the collection was inspired by "things that are no longer with us" and became partly "an exercise in looking into grief", honouring friends who had died, while also aiming to encourage others to try creative pursuits themselves.
The exhibition's centrepiece is a life-sized pink mixed-media sculpture of a woolly mammoth named Martin, with ceramic toenails and a latex tongue, conceived by Lycett "at 4am". Other works include a painting of his favourite Nokia phone, a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne inspired by his final Villa Park show, and pieces depicting Elvis Presley, Napoleon Bonaparte, BBC Ceefax and a digital sculpture of Cilla Black. Lycett also collaborated with local artists, including his mother, on a joint painting of Morecambe and Wise. The exhibition runs from Wednesday until 21 February, ahead of his new Channel 4 show and a planned 2027 tour.
In short
- Joe Lycett opens debut solo art exhibition in Birmingham
- Centrepiece is a pink mammoth sculpture named Martin
- Runs until 21 February; ties in with new Channel 4 show
Explained simply
Joe Lycett is a comedian and television performer who has also pursued visual art. He has opened his first major solo exhibition, called Everything Must Go, at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in his home city of Birmingham.
The exhibition explores themes of loss, grief and remembrance, centring on things and people that are no longer with us. The centrepiece is a life-sized pink sculpture of a woolly mammoth called Martin, featuring ceramic toenails and a latex tongue, whilst other works include paintings of figures such as Ozzy Osbourne, Elvis Presley and Cilla Black, alongside a painting of Morecambe and Wise created with his mother.
This marks Lycett's first major solo exhibition in the visual art world, positioned at a significant museum venue. The exhibition presents his artistic practice alongside his established comedy career, establishing him within the fine art world.
Art Celebrity Culture Entertainment TV