Last week, Jake Wood unveiled his Icons series at a private viewing at Indelible Fine Art Gallery, in Jew Street, Brighton.
The actor and artist, best known for his role as Max Branning in EastEnders, created 15 original pieces for the exhibition – each piece celebrating different recognisable figures.
He described his art style as “quite chaotic”, combining spray paint, acrylic, digital techniques and collage.
However, after sharing an image of his piece featuring David Attenborough, the work came under fire, with some claiming Mr Wood had used AI to create the image.
Despite the claims, the TV star was quick to defend his work, sharing a statement on his social media.
He wrote: “Just to clarify I do not use AI to generate any of my artworks. I do not use AI personally.
“The images and photos I’ve used were already in existence and I have then collaged them (digitally or manually) and then painted over them digitally myself before printing and sticking them over a mixture of collage, spray paint and acrylic.”
The pieces are being sold in aid of Dementia UK, a charity close to Mr Wood’s heart after the passing of friend and co-star Dame Barbara Windsor.
Dame Barbara was well-known for her roles in Carry On films and for playing Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders. She died in 2020 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Mr Wood explained how he wanted to capture Dame Barbara’s character through the piece.
Speaking to The Argus, he said: “I’d seen that photo before, but it’s was from the day when she got the damehood and she’d already had the diagnosis by that point. It was a really special day and a celebration of her, and you can see that in that photo.
“For me, it was about trying to convey a little bit of what she was as a person and what she was like in real life.
“She was full of life and the colours in the picture are quite vibrant. Originally the dress was sort of a purple, so I made it bright pink. I just wanted to convey something of her life and her energy and how she made you feel as a person.”
The work is currently available to buy via Indelible Fine Art gallery in Brighton and enquiries can be made on their website.