The release is inspired by friendship and Robert's fond memories of Jim Henson’s iconic TV series, The Muppet Show. The unique personalities of each character – from Miss Piggy’s diva-like tantrums to Fozzie Bear’s comedic quips – are celebrated in full colour. As individual performers, they shine, but as an ensemble they are unstoppable. Originally painted in oils, the signed limited edition prints have been faithfully recreated on boxed canvas and hand-varnished by our specialist atelier team in the UK.
“The Muppets were a much-loved part of my childhood,” adds Robert. “They were on TV on a Sunday evening, and I remember wishing The Muppet Show would never end, because as soon as it did it was bedtime, ready for a week of school. I’ve taken some well-loved characters and given them a new feel; maybe a little weird, definitely different, very much recognisable and well-loved. It’s been great to revisit childhood memories. It’s fun to remember, isn’t it?”
Featured art (L-R): 'Punchline' and 'The Greatest Showman', £895 each. Also available as a set of five for £3,950.
Created by the American puppeteer, cartoonist and animator Jim Henson in the 1950s, the Muppets are celebrated for their absurdist comedy sketches. Their catchy songs – including ‘Mah Nà Mah Nà’ and ‘Happy Feet’ – and relatable plots (who could forget the romance between Miss Piggy and Kermit?) were brought to a new audience in 1976, when The Muppet Show made its debut.
Over five series and 120 episodes, the iconic TV show took viewers along for the adventures of the ensemble, who were made stronger by their comradeship. Guest stars included the musicians Diana Ross and Elton John, and the actors Liza Minnelli and John Cleese. Like true Hollywood performers, the Muppets also made it to the silver screen through spinoff films like The Muppet Movie (1979), The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) and Muppets Most Wanted (2014).
Earlier this year, it was announced that Disney+ will release a new series, The Muppets Mayhem, based on the original series' house band, Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, reflecting a growing trend for TV reboots and nostalgic shows that remind us of our youth.
Like for his wildlife paintings, Robert has used colour and patterns to express the traits and emotions of his subjects. Fozzie Bear's fur shows his lovable nature, while Animal’s jagged lines encapsulate his unapologetic mayhem.
Let your art take centre stage with the full Ensemble set of five hand-varnished boxed canvas prints, £3,950.
"I’ve taken some well-loved characters and given them a new feel; maybe a little weird, definitely different, very much recognisable and well-loved."Robert Oxley
18/02/2022
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Discover Heart of Darkness, the second instalment from Robert Oxley's The Dark Knights series. This contemporary collection depicts three of the planet's deadliest wild cats: a tiger, leopard and snow leopard.Thank you for signing up to our newsletter.
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