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.
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 the Queensland Art Gallery, Artbank, the Gold Coast City Art Gallery, Griffith University and Lancaster University in England. His work is held privately in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States. Guppy was the recipient of the New South Wales Fishers Ghost Art Award in 2004.
Image: James Guppy: The stochastic jungle (2014) Acrylic on linen & found frame 54.0 x 43.0 cm
