In England, he was noted for his huge murals. In Australia, however, James Guppy is known for his exquisitely executed, small, evocative paintings.
His art displays courage and honesty in the way it explores human emotions, identifying and commenting on the cultural and emotional legacies with which we live. Guppy portrays people in moments of transition. Like some theatrical dramaturge, his paintings reveal a heightened state. Guppy prefers to subvert, rather than imitate, his tools of seduction a ‘gentle absurdism’ combined with a rich painting technique. London-born, Guppy gained a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Literature from Lancaster University.
He has since spent several years in the United States as adjunct professor of arts and media at Long Island University. In Australia, he has lectured at Queensland College of Art and Griffith University, and participated in a number of artist residencies. Guppy has exhibited in Australia, New York and Texas.
His work is held in many public collections, including QAGOMA, Artbank, Gold Coast City Art Gallery, Griffith University, Parliament House Art Collection, Canberra and Lancaster University in England. His work is held privately in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States. Guppy has been the recipient of several awards, including the New South Wales Fisher’s Ghost Art Award in 2004.
