Billy Murphy Turns Art Gallery Into a 90s Kid’s Bedroom for Dinosaurs and Daydreams
Billy Murphy brings a brings a playful, poignant solo show about nostalgia and adulthood to Gloucester Road, 10-15 November 2026 Kaos Projects presents Dinosaurs and Daydreams, a new solo exhibition by contemporary artist and illustrator Billy Murphy, at Gallery 40, 40 Gloucester Road, Brighton, from 10 to 15 November 2026. The show brings together more than 80 works, a new limited edition silkscreen print, and a full-scale recreation of a 90s child’s bedroom.
“Dinosaurs and Daydreams is a mix of playful and poignant ideas about nostalgia and what it means to exist now as an adult.” Billy Murphy
The exhibition was inspired by the arrival of Billy’s own child. Rediscovering the wonder of childhood led him to question what really matters to him, and he chose bears and dinosaurs as the way to explore it.
“Having my own child, rediscovering the joy of childhood wonder has made me question the parts of life I truly deem important. It’s made me feel excited, happy, clueless and at times lost, and I thought there would be no better way to explore that than by painting bears and dinosaurs.” Billy Murphy
Step inside the bedroom
At the heart of the show is an installation recreating a 90s child’s bedroom, filled with PlayStations, Lego, toys, dinosaurs and Beanie Babies. It draws on Billy’s own childhood room, which he remembers as a place to play and create, much like his studio today.
“Sea monkeys, Pokémon, beanie babies, and boxes and boxes of animal and dinosaur toys, my childhood room was always a haven for me to play and create in, just as my studio is now.” Billy Murphy
With over 220,000 followers on Instagram, Billy is known for sell-out shows and for making art that is accessible, affordable and hilarious. His work is rooted in nostalgia, childhood and positive affirmations, and champions good mental health. Dinosaurs and Daydreams is for everyone, from families with children to adults looking to play, reconnect and enjoy some silliness.
“I want the exhibition to remind people of the whimsy of being a child and to help them realise that amongst the monotony and uncertainty of adulthood, life can still be fun. Whether you’re searching for whimsical adventure or rueing missed
opportunities, I would like people to leave the exhibition feeling comforted in the absurdity of it all.” Billy Murphy
The work
Alongside original pieces from Billy’s debut book, You Deserve The Little Treat, the show includes framed originals in a range of sizes and signed limited edition prints. The headline release is a new silkscreen print named after the show. It sits alongside “I’ve Eaten So Many Chicken Nuggets”, a dinosaur print available in a blue main edition of 50 and five sub editions in pastels and gold. There will also be some plushies designed by Billy and hand sewn by his mum.
Private View with a Billy Murphy Beer
The private view takes place on Thursday 12 November, 6-8pm. Guests can enjoy a Billy Murphy illustrated beer from Kaos Projects’ wonderful partners, Lost Pier Brewing.
Free community badge-making workshop
On Saturday 14 November, 12-2pm, Billy hosts a free badge-making workshop for the local community. Participants can use Billy’s designs or create their own. Spaces are limited, and booking is via Eventbrite.
Never too late to be silly
“The one message I want people to take from this body of work is that whatever stage you’re at in your life, it’s never too late to be silly. And to never trust a wolf, as they will eat your nan.”
Dinosaurs and Daydreams runs from 10 to 15 November 2026 at Gallery 40, 40 Gloucester Road, Brighton BN1 4AQ. Entry is free. Works from the show will be available to buy onsite and online at artyardsale.co.uk.
