After more than two decades, Belfast finally welcomes home one of its most celebrated artists—and this time, he’s bringing a storm with him. Oliver Jeffers, the mastermind behind beloved children’s books like Lost and Found and How to Catch a Star, has returned to his hometown with a new exhibition that’s anything but ordinary. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this isn’t your typical feel-good showcase. Jeffers’ latest collection, Disasters and Interventions, flips tranquility on its head, transforming serene landscapes into scenes of chaos. Think oil tankers capsized in pristine lakes, airships crashing into oceans while golfers remain blissfully unaware, and isolated houses struck by lightning. It’s a thought-provoking blend of humor and tragedy that leaves you both smiling and questioning the world around you.
And this is the part most people miss: Jeffers’ inspiration for this project? A discarded print found in New York’s Chinatown. He explains, ‘It was decayed, but it looked amazing.’ What started as a personal game—painting disasters into old images—evolved into a 14-year exploration of instability and resilience. ‘It’s about provoking thought,’ he says. ‘Even in a world of tragedy, there’s beauty in being alive.’
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 he wanted to be an artist. ‘I was 15 when someone told me art college was an option,’ he recalls. ‘I thought, Wow, you can get paid to draw?’ His transition into children’s literature came later, driven by a natural talent for storytelling. ‘It’s about empathy and understanding your audience,’ he explains. ‘Kids intuitively create—we’re all born with that ability. It’s about holding onto it as we grow.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: Jeffers argues that art thrives on selfishness. ‘The more you focus on being yourself, the more generous your work becomes,’ he says. ‘Trying to guess what people want just leads to repetition.’ This philosophy shines in his exhibition, where a familiar red rocket from How to Catch a Star crashes into a snowy landscape, its reflection eerily perfect. It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t about perfection—it’s about authenticity.
The exhibition also features the Titanic, Belfast’s most famous ship, sinking in deserts and glens—a bold reinterpretation of history. Jeffers calls Belfast ‘a city of storytellers,’ and his return has deepened his appreciation for its ‘slowness and sense of community.’ ‘After the rat race, I realized this is where I want to be,’ he says. ‘There’s so much talent here, and I want to encourage it.’
As for the future? Jeffers plans to keep creating naturally, with more books and art on the horizon. But here’s the question: In a world obsessed with trends, can we truly embrace being ourselves? Jeffers thinks so—and his work is a testament to that. What do you think? Is authenticity the key to great art, or is there room for compromise? Let’s discuss in the comments!
