3 March - 20 April 2022
YOU DON'T KNOW THE HALF OF IT
James McQueen
YOU DON'T KNOW THE HALF OF IT
James McQueen
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'YOU DON’T KNOW THE HALF OF IT' is British artist James McQueen’s first exhibition at Â鶹·¬ºÅ Gallery.
McQueen’s art explores themes of typography, Pop art and abstraction, using the graphic design language of book covers as a template for communication. His provocative works on canvas are visually arresting, saturated with colour and employ a multi-layered technique to produce uniquely deep and intricate surfaces.
YOU DON'T KNOW THE HALF OF IT
McQueen’s complex application of paint elevates his art beyond the mere imitation of a nostalgic object towards an art that is rich and expressive, choosing to represent these books not as they were when they were first published, but as they are today: stained and faded with tattered edges. Through his use of spray paint, stencilling and a vibrant colour palette, McQueen furnishes these classic designs with a contemporary, urban edge.
The titles and sentiments are evocative, playful and sometimes cynical. Working under a pseudonym, he introduces an autobiographical dimension to the work with his trademark monkey, using this mischievous character as a kind of personal insignia.
'The exposure of these layers represents the history and journey of the artwork, just as a used book will have its own story.'
James McQueen