London’s vibrant art scene is set to experience a seismic shift with the opening of “Triple Trouble,” a groundbreaking exhibition that unites three of the art world’s most disruptive and iconic figures: Shepard Fairey, Damien Hirst, and Invader. Hosted by the prestigious Newport Street Gallery from October 10, 2025, to March 29, 2026, and presented in association with HENI, this highly anticipated show promises a unique confluence of street art, contemporary art, and pop iconography, featuring a compelling mix of individual works and entirely new, collaborative creations.
A Confluence of Iconic Disruptors
“Triple Trouble” brings together artists whose oeuvres have profoundly shaped contemporary visual culture, albeit through distinct lenses. Shepard Fairey, renowned globally for his “OBEY Giant” campaign and politically charged street art, meets the enfant terrible of the British art scene, Damien Hirst, whose provocative work has redefined the art market. Joining them is Invader, the enigmatic French artist celebrated for his ubiquitous pixelated mosaic installations that transform urban landscapes into interactive video games. The exhibition is curated by Connor Hirst, who has previously helmed significant shows at the gallery, including “Dominion” and “The Power and the Glory,” drawing from Damien Hirst’s extensive personal collection.
Exploring Shared Fascination: Repetition, Symbols, and Culture
The exhibition delves into the surprising commonalities between these three artists, highlighting their shared fascination with repetition, potent symbols, and cultural icons. “Triple Trouble” aims to explore the intersections of street culture and fine art, demonstrating how these artists, despite their differing aesthetics, engage with similar conceptual frameworks. Visitors will encounter familiar motifs reimagined in provocative and playful ways, challenging established boundaries and inviting new interpretations of pop culture and societal commentary. This confluence offers a unique lens through which to examine contemporary culture and its visual language.
Hybrid Works and Bold Collaborations
A significant draw of “Triple Trouble” is the unveiling of new collaborative pieces that merge the distinct styles of Fairey, Hirst, and Invader. These hybrid artworks defy easy categorization, amplifying the artists’ shared interest in iconic imagery and repetitive elements. Highlights include collaborative Spin Paintings and spot artworks, where Hirst’s signature techniques are intertwined with Fairey’s politically charged graphics and Invader’s pixelated interventions. Furthermore, Rubik’s Cube mosaics will be presented in large-scale panels, featuring diverse subjects from science and music to counterculture figures, all alongside Fairey’s mixed-media works. The exhibition also features tanks, pill cabinets, and lightboxes that blend Hirst’s clinical precision with the irreverence of Invader and Fairey’s street art ethos. A never-before-seen mural is set to transform one of the gallery spaces, serving as a dynamic collision of fine art tradition and urban visual language.
Invader commented on the creative process, stating, “In addition to being troublemakers of the art world, Damien and Shepard are two art giants whose work I admire. Combining our three styles could only result in some astonishing artworks. The creative process itself was very exciting with hundreds of messages, ideas and artworks travelling back and forth between the three of us. It was a great adventure and I hope the public will enjoy discovering this exhibition as much as we enjoyed creating it.”
Shepard Fairey echoed this sentiment, explaining his motivation: “I’ve long respected both artists because they are intelligent, conceptual, and relentless in their singular creative visions. ‘Obsessive’ might be too mild a description to convey their drive, focus, and prodigious output. I can relate to them. I also admire risk-takers and troublemakers who can withstand condescending, impolite jabs from supposedly polite society. Those qualities inspired me to collaborate with them even though our aesthetics have no natural overlap or compatibility. A clash of styles in collaboration is a risk worth taking, and creativity can solve almost all problems. Malcolm McLaren once told me, ‘A glorious failure is better than a boring success.’ So, with that as a guiding principle, what could possibly go wrong?”
Newport Street Gallery: A Hub for Artistic Dialogue
The “Triple Trouble” exhibition will span all six gallery spaces at Newport Street Gallery, a venue established by Damien Hirst himself to share his vast personal art collection with the public. Housed in a Grade II listed building in Vauxhall, London, the gallery, designed by Caruso St John Architects, has become a significant cultural landmark since its opening in 2015. Its free entry policy democratizes access to art, making significant exhibitions like this accessible to a broad audience.
This event marks a significant moment for London’s dynamic art culture, promising to draw global attention and spark conversations across different artistic communities. “Triple Trouble” is poised to be a trending topic, reflecting the enduring power of collaborative innovation and the evolving landscape of contemporary art in society. The exhibition not only celebrates the individual achievements of Fairey, Hirst, and Invader but also underscores the exciting possibilities that emerge when disparate artistic universes collide, offering a fresh perspective on art’s role in culture and society.
“Triple Trouble” opens at Newport Street Gallery on October 10, 2025, and runs until March 29, 2026. Admission is free.
