Born in Oxford, James Watkins moved to Auckland, New Zealand at a young age, kicking off a lifelong journey of travel and creative exploration.
It was in the idyllic settings of Golden Bay and Great Barrier Island where his artistic spark first ignited. Starting out with a passion for photography and journalism, James earned the Golden Bay Art Award and hosted his first solo exhibition. However, it was mixed media art—blending self-reflection and impressionism—that became his true calling.
In 2010, James moved to Australia, where he dove into the contemporary art world while working as an editor, writer, and photographer. Splitting his time between Melbourne and Sydney, he developed his mixed media practice, focusing on abstract forms and experimental mark-making.
By 2015, James’s travels took him to Oxfordshire, then Istanbul, and later Paris, where he expanded his art onto the streets. His time in Paris further refined his vision in both photography and mixed media.
In 2019, James held two solo painting exhibitions in London, and before long, he headed off to Mexico City. There, he drew inspiration from the vibrant colours and history of the area for his third solo exhibition, Future Paradise.
Now, in 2024, James has returned to New Zealand, where he continues to explore the natural world through his art—and we hope to keep his great company for a long while!
Contact Liss if you are wanting to hear more about James' work when it arrives in the gallery.
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