An expert in beach art, the artist from Royan has drawn a monumental work on the beach at Le Chay. A commission from British singer Ed Sheeran to support the promotion of his next album.
Equipped with his rake, Jben roams the beach of Chay de Royan tirelessly. He calculates, he draws, he returns to the original drawing and little by little, a face appears. This face is Ed Sheeran’s. The British singer has placed a very special order with the sand drawing specialist: to create a unique and ephemeral work related to the ocean for the release of his new opus.
This Friday, April 21, 2023, it was under the gaze of many curious people that Jben took up this new challenge in a few hours. “It’s impressive, and it’s a talent from Royan!”, rejoices a spectator.
Ed Sheeran and Jben
Jben only has a few hours to complete his new 50-meter-long work before the high tide comes to erase everything. Gradually, the face of Ed Sheeran appears, as well as his name and the title of the song highlighted, Life goes on. “The sketch part is much more stressful, you have to concentrate, respect the drawing with the ruler, this base is very complex“, confides the beach artist.
The story between Ed Sheeran and Jben began on social networks. Indeed, it is on Instagram that the record company of the English singer discovers the talent of the artist from Royan. Warner Music France then entrusts him with the creation of a drawing to illustrate the promotion of his sixth album called Subtract expected by fans on May 5, 2023. “We worked closely together to come up with a sketch, and to make sure that everything went well today”, says Jben.
Ed Sheeran has asked a dozen artists to collaborate in the promotion of his new album.
A video teaser published on YouTube shows the English superstar strolling on the seaside. On the sand, the names of the 13 songs that will make up this new opus are emerging: Boat, dusty Spark or Life goes on.
The ephemeral message frescoes of Jben
Since he started drawing on the sand in 2014, Jben has refined his art. His frescoes, both aesthetic and committed, have gone around the world thanks to social networks.
Under its rake, the sand tells new stories. Thus, the beach pays tribute to the victims of Charlie Hebdo, defends peace in the world or launches a warning message for the planet.
His works disappear with the rising waters, but remain visible on his Instagram account.
The final result is to be found on May 5, the date of the release of Ed Sheeran’s album.