iLPH went to visit the Everyday Extraordinary Exhibition at the Regent’s Park Gallery. The artwork has been created by two Essex artists who bring soul and satire to their work. It was great getting to meet the two artists in person.
PICCADILLY CIRCUS BY KEITH BIRD
Keith Bird created this painting to represent the busyness of Piccadilly Circus, for example, by capturing the people chilling on the monument. He is trying to get as many people as possible into the painting. He was intending to highlight the people in the painting to create the chaotic scene that people refer to as ‘Piccadilly Circus.’ Keith intended to live up to the expression of its ‘Piccadilly Circus‘ to highlight the busyness. This showcases the main theme of the exhibition which highlights everyday life happening.
THE ESSEX RIVIERA BY KEITH BIRD
The key theme of the exhibition was highlighting everyday life happening within different colourful settings. The painting above strongly stood out towards me because of how everyday life is happening within a seaside setting. For example, dark and light blue colours are used to create a realistic seaside skyline. White is also used in the skyline to create the strong cloud appearances.
A variety of white, brown and red colours are used to create the buildings in the paintings. This is used to display what you would see everyday if you walked along the Essex Riviera. But what stands out the most towards my eyes is how the sea is presented in a turquoise colour with the boats left being still on the riviera. As well as how five white boats are out being active on the riviera. This creates a strong contrast of boat activity happening on the Essex Riviera.
ON THE COBBLES BY KEITH BIRD
On The Cobbles brings soul to your mind because it brings a sense of ambition to the viewer’s faces because of how competitively the cyclers are racing. This would make the viewer leave with a warm heart and a smile because it’s something they can relate to. For example they may have seen cycling races before in the past, or they may have been in similar race situations themselves. The light and dark coloured blue sky is used by Keith to show to the viewer that it would passively remain the same, as well as have no impact on the race whilst the cyclists are racing. The different facial expressions of the cyclists show different embodiments of exhilarating determination. Overall viewers can relate to On The Cobbles by either watching or participating in any type of intensive race.
Overall, a brilliantly artistic time was had at the exhibition. It was amazing meeting Keith Bird & Aaron Jolley, as well as seeing Sophie Levi again. Celia Washington also made a surprise appearance too. It was a wonderful experience seeing how Keith Bird and Aaron Jolley created real life like paintings featured in Everyday Extraordinary.
EXHIBITION INFO
Everyday Extraordinary, 2-9 July 2026
Opening Hours:
Wed to Fri: 12:00 – 19:00
Sat to Sun: 10:00 – 18:00
Regents Park Gallery
17 Princess Road, NW1 8JR
Everyday Extraordinary Gallery
© Adam Reeves, 2026, all rights reserved.