Addy Adám ART
My Little Man, 2023
Birmingham's iconic Bull with legendary namesake Ozzy Osbourne and Perry Barr Station; renovated for the 2022 Commonwealth Games where Ozzy performed in its closing ceremony at nearby Alexander Stadium (not far from where he grew up in Aston). After the Games, the Bull was saved from the scrapheap by public petition and given Ozzy's name by popular vote (see article). The Bull is now a permanent feature of New Street's Grand Central Station (given in the lower left corner). The artwork's theme exemplifies Osbourne's 'My Little Man' song lyrics and is tied together with his outstretched arms mirroring the Bull's horns.
Inspiration & Process
The painting celebrates the outcome of the Bull's fate one year on from the Games, whilst highlighting Adám's early connections to Osbourne. Firstly, having attended the same Prince Albert Primary School in Aston, where her late mother worked as a Dinner Lady for 45 years, and who was present during Osbourne's visit for the filming of 'God Bless Ozzy Osbourne'. Secondly, the brother of Adám's childhood friend was a friend of Osbourne's; the artist regularly encountered them 'hanging out' at 13 Beacon Hill, opposite the Labour Exchange in the late 1960's. The work measures 100x100x3cm, and took five weeks to complete with re-workings of the Bull in situ at Grand Central, to incorporate Perry Barr Station:
Coventry Open 2025
My Little Man, was selected for the Coventry Open 2025 exhibition held at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, from March - June, showcasing the works of artists from around the West Midlands. It became a close contender for the Visitor's Choice Award, and was on display when an actual bull went on the run in Birmingham (see article); most likely having escaped a backstreet abattoir that Osbourne may well have worked in before engaging in his musical career. With Osbourne's passing just a few weeks later on 22 July, the work holds emotional significance; it is now the artist's aim to explore a fitting location to have the work on permanent display, and invites relevant enquiries.
