Artist defends Ronnie O’Sullivan mural in Sheffield

Street artist Chris Ashmore has defended his work following social media criticism of a mural depicting snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan in Sheffield. The portrait, located on the rear wall of the Spot On Snooker Club, went viral after viewers described the depiction as ‘zombie-like’, ‘skeletal’, or resembling Michael Jackson.

Ashmore clarified that the project is currently unfinished, having only completed two weeks of a planned five-week schedule. He noted that the uneven terrain prevented the use of a scissor lift, making it difficult to step back and view the portrait as a whole while working on the scaffolding. He stated that ‘touch-ups’ are still required to complete the piece.

Dan Kirkland, the manager of Spot On Snooker Club, acknowledged that certain facial features, specifically the eyes and mouth, require further refinement. While acknowledging the public's right to dislike the art, Kirkland defended the artist against personal abuse directed at him.