Calling all fans of aliens, spaceships, and the like – an intriguing new sci-fi art exhibition has opened in Soho that you won’t want to miss. ‘Building Bigger Worlds’ is the first ever exhibition from artist John R Mullaneyshowcasing his unique hand-drawn artworks that encompass some of the most popular sci-fi movies, games, and TV shows. Oh, and entry to the exhibition is free!
Over a 25-year career, Mullaney has created cutaway works (you know, diagrams that show something cut in half – without actually having to cut them in half) for hugely popular franchises. The highly detailed pieces are the product of meticulous research and take months to create by hand.
His pieces encompass the likes of the Star Wars universe, Alien Romulus, Halo, and cult sci-fi series Firefly/Serenity. (Alien Romulus director Fede Alvarez has even requested some of the artworks to be used to decorate his office.) And there’s more than just spaceships. The pieces range across locations, architecture, vehicles, spaceships and weapons.
Each of the artworks is one-of-a-kind and will never be reproduced. This is because “(due) to the nature of studio-licensed art, (the) paintings cannot be reproduced as prints”. If you purchase any of the pieces, you’ll possess a unique piece of sci-fi and cinema history.
Behind the scenes of the sci-fi art
The exhibition will also feature time-lapse sequences of Mullaney creating the artworks. These allow viewers to understand just how much detail and effort goes into each of the pieces.
Said John R Mullaney: “I’m a huge sci-fi fan and love these franchises, so I obsess over the details, the colour and the mood of the subjects; I aim to match not just the content but that all-important cinematic feel. If I’m doing a cutaway and showing the interior spaces of a ship, I try and give it the same evocative lighting that you see in the film or the show.”
The ‘Building Bigger Worlds’ sci-fi art exhibition was recently extended and will finish on May 17. Find out more here.
📍 You’ll find the exhibition at The Troubadour Gallery. Find it at 14 Smith’s Court, W1D 7DW. The nearest station is Piccadilly Circus.
⏰ The exhibition is open from 1-5pm on the weekends, and weekday visits can be booked by contacting the gallery directly.
