Fielding opens art exhibition

The Boosh star studied fine art at Croydon Art College and says painting is still his passion.

He says: ‘I know people want me to have an exhibition because they like the Boosh, but I decided it should in somewhere small, so the pressure wouldn't be so massive.

‘I was thinking, maybe I should have done it anonymously. I was thinking of calling myself the Jelly Fox, and having some sort of armour on so no one would know who I was.’

Fielding told the Independent he got ‘sidetracked’ into comedy during a college art project when he created a performance piece based on the Bible, in which he hung from a crucifix before leaping off to Jumpin' Jack Flash and squirting 'holy water' at fellow students from a water pistol.

‘Everyone thought it was the funniest thing ever, so I thought maybe I should do some stand-up. I did my first three gigs in character as Jesus, because I didn't know whether I'd be funny as Noel.’

Paintings going on show tomorrow include one of a crocodile in a hat shouting 'show me the money!' Here are three more examples.

Fielding's work will be on display at Gallery Maison Bertaux – a gallery above a patisserie/fashion shop in Soho’s Greek Street - until February 29.

He is not the first comedian to have his own art exhibition, with Vic Reeves having at least two shows and a book of art, Sun Boiled Onions, to his name.

Published: 12 Dec 2007