Street Artist Defends "Zombie-Like" Snooker Mural

A street artist in Sheffield has responded to public criticism of a mural featuring snooker star Ronnie O'Sullivan. Chris Ashmore, the artist behind the work, stated that the mural, commissioned for the Spot On Snooker Club, is still incomplete. Initial reactions online described the artwork, particularly O'Sullivan's face, as "zombie-like," "shocking," and "skeletal."

Ashmore explained that he had only completed two of the five weeks allocated for the project and that touch-ups were still required. He noted that working from a scaffolding platform, which limited his ability to gain a full perspective of the piece, contributed to the issue. The artist expressed surprise at the viral response, stating he has "thick skin" but felt the criticism was unfair given the work was not yet finished.