A Recap Of “Once Upon A Crime” – Jeej’s Art Exhibtion
In the heart of Rotterdam, Jeej’s “Once Upon A Crime” exhibition left an indelible mark on the contemporary art scene. Hosted at the Room Mate Bruno Hotel, this four-day event showcased the bold vision and creativity that have become synonymous with Jeej’s name. With over six months of meticulous preparation, the exhibition embodied Jeej’s unique ability to blend graffiti-inspired rebellion with artistic refinement, all while staying true to his roots.
A Weekend of Highlights
The event launched with an exclusive VIP dinner on Thursday, November 14th, set amidst Jeej’s vibrant works. Hosted by celebrated chef Jaimie van Heije, the evening featured a three-course elevated street food menu. Capped off with desserts by world champion pastry chef Frank Haasnoot. The intimate gathering included a guest list of Jeej’s earliest supporters and notable figures such as Frenna, Bram Krikke, and Indira Paganotto. Making it a heartfelt thank-you to those who helped shape Jeej’s journey.
Friday’s grand opening exceeded all expectations, drawing a packed crowd of art enthusiasts, clients, and new faces. Over the weekend, visitors had the opportunity to connect with Jeej and explore his latest works in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. By Sunday, the majority of the works had found new homes, marking the exhibition as both a creative and commercial success.
A Showcase of Jeej’s Latest Creations
The exhibition featured 19 new artworks, including 16 new 1/1 pieces, 3 editioned works, and the introduction of exclusive sculptures. Complementing these were two series of fine art baryta HPM prints. And the highly anticipated Jeej Originals gallery wall, presenting raw, hand-drawn works that capture the essence of Jeej’s creative process. Visitors were also treated to a unique exhibition poster, each hand-finished to ensure no two were alike—a true collectible.
The Theme: Transformation and Contrasts
At the core of Once Upon A Crime is the transformation of what society often deems as “negative” into something undeniably beautiful. Jeej’s faceless characters and unexpected color contrasts reflect themes of anonymity, perception, and rebellion. These elements mirror Jeej’s own journey—growing up in Rotterdam’s urban landscape while embracing both its raw energy and moments of introspection. The works also highlight the tension between innocence and rebellion, underscoring Jeej’s belief that beauty can be found in even the most unexpected places.
Thank You for Being Part of the Journey
We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended and supported Once Upon A Crime. Your presence, enthusiasm, and encouragement have made this journey unforgettable.
If you missed the exhibition or are interested in the remaining available works, you can request a catalog or explore our online shop. For an even more personal experience, book a studio visit to see Jeej’s world up close.
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Thank you for helping make Once Upon A Crime an unforgettable success—we can’t wait to share more with you in the future!