After more than two decades, Belfast finally welcomes home one of its most celebrated sons—artist and author Oliver Jeffers—with a groundbreaking exhibition that’s as thought-provoking as it is visually stunning. But here’s where it gets controversial: Jeffers’ latest collection, Disasters and Interventions, transforms serene landscapes into scenes of chaos, leaving viewers to question the balance between beauty and catastrophe in our world. Is this a reflection of our times, or a mere artistic experiment? You decide.
By Chris Page, BBC News Ireland Correspondent
For the first time in over 20 years, Oliver Jeffers is showcasing his work in his hometown of Belfast. Since his last local exhibition, Jeffers has skyrocketed to fame as a titan of children’s literature, with his books—including Lost and Found, How to Catch a Star, and Here We Are—selling a staggering 18 million copies worldwide. His stories have captivated families, blending whimsy with profound insights into the human experience.
Disasters and Interventions takes a bold departure from his earlier work. Jeffers has masterfully inserted his own imagery into vintage photographs, turning tranquil scenes into moments of disaster. Imagine an oil tanker capsized in a once-pristine lake, or an airship crashing into the ocean while golfers remain oblivious to the chaos. These juxtapositions are both unsettling and mesmerizing, inviting viewers to ponder the fragility of our world.
And this is the part most people miss: Jeffers revealed that the inspiration for this project came from a discarded print he found in New York’s Chinatown. “It looked amazing, even in its decay,” he said. What started as a personal experiment evolved into a 14-year exploration of instability and resilience. “It’s about provoking thought,” Jeffers explained. “Even in tragedy, there’s beauty and reason to hope.”
Returning to Northern Ireland after years in the U.S., Jeffers admits he’s “absolutely loving being back.” Growing up in Belfast, he knew early on that art was his calling. At 15, a career advisor suggested art college, and the idea of drawing for a living ignited his passion. Later, he discovered storytelling, realizing that his art was inherently narrative-driven. “Telling stories comes naturally here,” he said, emphasizing the region’s rich tradition of empathy and connection.
Reflecting on his journey since How to Catch a Star was published 21 years ago, Jeffers admits it feels surreal. “Art is one of the few fields where selfishness and generosity go hand in hand,” he noted. By staying true to himself, he’s created work that resonates deeply with audiences. “Being naturally yourself is what works,” he added.
At the Naughton Gallery at Queen’s University, visitors will spot a familiar sight: the iconic red rocket from How to Catch a Star, now crashing beside a serene lake in a piece titled Down on the Range. The reflection of the rocket in the water is particularly striking, showcasing Jeffers’ meticulous attention to detail. His technique of layering bright, fluorescent colors over faded, vintage tones adds a dynamic tension to the work.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Several pieces feature the Titanic, Belfast’s most famous ship, sinking not in the Atlantic, but in deserts, glens, and other unexpected landscapes. These images challenge our perceptions of disaster and place, echoing Jeffers’ description of Belfast as “a city of storytellers.”
Since returning to Northern Ireland, Jeffers has embraced the “slowness and sense of community” he missed during his time abroad. “It’s only now that I realize how important this is for my family and me,” he said. He’s also inspired by the emerging talent in the region, eager to encourage the next generation of artists and storytellers.
Looking ahead, Jeffers plans to continue creating naturally and joyfully. “More books, more art, and staying still to observe the world—that’s the goal,” he shared. But as we marvel at his work, one question lingers: In a world teetering between calm and chaos, what stories will we choose to tell? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation worth having.
