With an exploratory sense of line, and loose hand over his brush - James Watkins’ multidisciplinary practice enamours itself with the potential of colour and deeply engages with the materiality of mark-making. Smooth and then textured, translucent and then rich all in the same breath.
With an abstracted and organic vocabulary, the Auckland based artist works predominantly in expressionistic painting. Unravelling themes of subconsciousness and the interconnectivity found within the natural world, Watkins draws on his years living and working abroad. Australia, London, Paris, Istanbul and Mexico City all filtering in from the periphery as he returns to Aotearoa, traversing the forests, hilltops and changing skies of home.
Exhibitions
Common Ground, Group Show, 27 March – 18 April 2026
Summer Season, Group Show, 24 December 2025 – 20 January 2026
I am nature let me in, Solo Show, 16 May – 7 June 2025
EXTERNAL EXHIBITIONS
New Collectors, Group Show (Frame Gallery, Auckland, 2024)
Secret Garden, Group Show (11Contemporary Art Center, Shenzhen, 2024)
Future Paradise, Solo Show (Ambar Quijano, Mexico City, 2023)
Nature Holds a Mirror, Group Show (Ambar Quijano, Mexico City, 2023)
Bluenude showcase, Solo Show (Hackney Downs Studios, London, 2022)
Jewels for Everyone, Solo Show (Nam House Gallery, London, 2021)
Somewhere Between, Solo Show (Three Colt Gallery, London, 2019)
ARTWORKS
INSTALLATION VIEWS
James Watkins
Oil, oil pastel, soft pastel, charcoal and acrylic
Oak tray frame
1050 × 800 mm
$4750
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