Jack White, renowned as the frontman of the White Stripes, is stepping into the world of sculpture with a new exhibition at a London gallery owned by the celebrated artist Damien Hirst.
As reported by the Financial Times, White and Hirst first crossed paths in 2021, coinciding with the launch of White's Nashville-based Third Man Records store in Soho, situated directly across from Hirst's studio. To commemorate the opening, White performed a spontaneous concert from Hirst's balcony, captivating a massive crowd that joined in singing "Seven Nation Army."
After sharing some of his artwork with Hirst, the two artists decided to collaborate on an exhibition. The result, titled "Jack White: THESE THOUGHTS MAY DISAPPEAR," will open at Newport Street Gallery on May 29 and remain on display until September 13.
White has long had a passion for art, as evidenced by the title of the White Stripes' second album, De Stijl, named after the influential Dutch art movement. The band's distinctive red-and-white aesthetic has also drawn attention from art enthusiasts.
Despite his artistic inclinations, White had previously hesitated to present himself as a visual artist. "I'm trying to put music a little bit on the back burner in this scenario," he remarked to the FT prior to his exhibition. "I don't want it to look like, 'Oh, Frank Sinatra also does paintings, how cute.' I wanted it to be taken as its own thing."
His upcoming exhibition will feature a variety of works, including sculptures, furniture designs, notebooks, and photographs, showcasing his dedication to transforming found objects and furniture, a nod to his background as an upholsterer.
Hirst praised White's artistic vision, stating, "Anything done well I believe can be art, and that's why Jack's work struck me as so great. He covers so much ground in everything he does, and he has an enormous sensibility. He's not just painting; he's making surreal objects that can push you away yet pull you in and appeal to you against your will. He constantly pushes the boundaries, which is right up my street."
This exhibition marks a significant evolution in White's career, illustrating how artists can transcend their primary mediums. As he explores new creative avenues, it opens up exciting possibilities for the future of artistic expression.