Aidan Phelan, known in the art world as "Second Sight," has had an extraordinary journey from hairstyling icon to thought-provoking artist. Once celebrated as David Beckham’s personal hairstylist and the creative mastermind behind some of Beckham’s most iconic looks, including the infamous mohawk, Aidan rose to fame in the early 2000s. He became a celebrity in his own right, winning prestigious accolades such as Men’s British Hairdresser of the Year. His groundbreaking work graced the pages of high-profile publications like GQ, i-D, and Dazed and Confused, and he collaborated with renowned photographers including Rankin, Mario Testino, and David LaChapelle. His clientele extended to Hollywood royalty, with stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Liza Minnelli, while his product range, launched in Boots, Tesco, and Harvey Nichols, became a household name. Aidan’s talents also made him a familiar face on television, with his own show and an unforgettable appearance on Secret Millionaire.

Despite his immense success, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen challenges that shifted Aidan’s career trajectory. Undeterred, he turned to philanthropy, dedicating himself to supporting frontline workers during the crisis. Aidan raised £2.3 million for the NHS, opening five pop-up salons across the UK in cities like Birmingham, Manchester, and London, where he and his team provided 5,800 free haircuts, meals, and drinks. He also delivered nearly 47,000 care packages to hospitals nationwide. His efforts gained widespread attention, with support from media figures such as Piers Morgan and platforms like Sky News. In addition, Aidan co-founded the PARKLIFE project, which helped over 5,400 individuals struggling with mental health by organizing daily walks in St. James’s Park for 364 days straight. Most recently, he undertook a grueling 3,400-mile cycling journey from New York to Los Angeles in just 66 days, raising funds and awareness for his upcoming documentary, Living with a Killer. This incredible feat was completed alongside "The King of Chemo," a terminally ill young man with a brain tumor, showcasing Aidan’s unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Amid these transformative experiences, Aidan’s passion for art, his first love, was reignited. Over the past two years, he has dedicated himself to creating a deeply personal and provocative 30-piece debut collection under his artistic alias, "Second Sight." The collection offers a satirical yet serious commentary on modern society, exploring themes such as climate activism, social media pressures, financial greed, and societal evolution. Each piece reflects Aidan’s sharp observations and unique ability to blend nostalgia with critical insights. Highlights include works depicting a young boy splattered with oil while applying oil to a bicycle chain—a nod to climate protests like "Just Stop Oil"; children pulling down the Statue of Liberty to symbolize a society grappling with “no justice, just us”; and a haunting portrayal of a young girl gazing into a mirror surrounded by lights and cameras, reflecting the pressures of social media on today’s youth. Other standout pieces address financial greed through “fat cat” bankers in clown-faced pinstripe suits and the stark realities of youth violence in Britain, with children wearing stab-proof vests.

Aidan’s debut collection with Grove Gallery marks a bold and exciting chapter in his life, where he brings the same creativity, resilience, and vision that defined his hairstyling career into the world of contemporary art. His work serves as both a mirror to society and a challenge to its current trajectory, offering viewers an opportunity to reflect and engage with the pressing issues of our time. Grove Gallery is proud to present "Second Sight’s" inaugural exhibition, launching in early January, a testament to Aidan Phelan’s remarkable reinvention and the enduring power of art to inspire change.