Johnny Depp unveils intimate art exhibition in London — A tribute to family and the past

Johnny Depp is opening a deeply personal new art exhibition in London this Friday, titled Let the Light In. Hosted by Castle Fine Art, the collection features just two works — each a heartfelt homage to the actor’s children and former partner, French singer and actress Vanessa Paradis.

The pieces, A Rose Is a Rose Is a Rose and Let the Light In, are reproductions of original paintings Depp created in the early 2000s while living with Paradis and their children at their French estate, Le Hameau.

The first work, A Rose Is a Rose Is a Rose, is a touching tribute to his daughter, actress and model Lily-Rose Depp. The painting features every rose Johnny drew for her on Valentine’s Day over the years. Now 26, Lily-Rose remains one of the artist’s greatest muses.

The second painting is an abstract self-portrait titled Let the Light In. Depp’s face is partially obscured, his eyes hidden behind glasses — a visual metaphor for a period of personal reflection and emotional introspection.

“I’ve been lucky enough to learn from great artists: all you can do is add light to what already exists,” Depp said of his latest artistic endeavor.

Depp and Paradis were together for 14 years, from 1998 to 2012, and share two children. Though they never married, Depp has described their relationship as one that remains “very close.”

This isn’t the first time Paradis has inspired his artwork. In 2024, Depp presented a Tarot-themed collection in which one standout piece, The Empress, was dedicated to her. “She’s like a crown that’s weathered many storms. A symbol of courage and resilience… the crown has endured, and still shines,” he said at the time.

The paintings from Let the Light In will go on sale alongside the opening of the exhibition. Critics are calling it more than just a showcase of visual art — it’s a raw and revealing visual diary, capturing the light and love that have shaped Depp’s most meaningful chapters.