“You are a star and we really appreciate your generosity.” Tim Smit

Peter Hampel the art director of Eden and John Dyer, Eden's 'Painter in Residence' worked together to facilitate John painting a new 'iconic' painting of this huge event. Signed prints available now from The John Dyer Gallery.

"We decided that one key painting would be far more powerful than a series of smaller paintings, so Eden organised a special area for me to work from so that I could see the whole event, feel the music, watch the crowd, but have my own space to create in. I wanted to capture the African energy of the performances and to set this off against the world beating architecture of Eden, and I am delighted by the result. 

The painting was taken down into the crowds and caused quite a stir. It is amazing how many people have a digital camera hidden in their pockets ! All of the Eden directors including Tim Smit gathered to see the new painting which was received with great enthusiasm.

John Dyer was accompanied by artist Kurt Jackson for his Live 8 Residency. Kurt worked from the stage focusing on drawings of the performers whilst John captured an iconic single painting of the experience.