James McQueen is a contemporary artist who was born in 1977. He has been living between New York & London, where he has been an actor for over 30 years.

Taking a humorous view on the popular artists of the current market, he has combined the famous symbols of the likes of Banksy with the popular imagery from Harland Miller’s satirical paintings of the reimagined Penguin books, creating a collection of extremely high standard original pieces on canvas.

Working on canvas mainly, there is many weeks of layering the paints, which gives the art a truly authentic vintage finish, exactly as you would expect to see an old book. The care and attention that goes into each piece is obvious to the eye immediately. Each canvas is finished with a varnish that allows the colours and textures to pop from backdrop and gives each piece a unique finish, creating an almost 3-d effect.

The application of the medium really shows how serious the artist is about the work, albeit the humorous undertones.

James McQueen is a British contemporary artist recognised for his humorous reinterpretations of vintage book covers. Informed by elements of Pop Art, street art, and graffiti, his artworks are collectable artworks that hold nostalgia and irreverence. His construct is characterised by bold typography, textural imperfections and ironic titles which reference literary history and cultural critique that result in unique methods of understanding contemporary art.

McQueen’s notoriety in the international art market is only strengthening, as both seasoned collectors and new investors seek to purchase his works. From limited editions to unique original mixed media grabs, check out selected McQueen artworks that deliver an aspect of visual wit, cultural commentary and investment opportunities.

## About James McQueen

James McQueen is a pseudonymous British artist whose notoriety began with the question, ‘What if you change the frame of something that you have previously been familiar with?’ Drawing upon his design and typographic background, McQueen used the edifying Penguin paperback to repurpose it as a conceptual vehicle, remixed with a perspective that employed ironic humour, cultural satire, and social commentary. Using a pseudonym enables McQueen to avoid being led by, or reliant upon, the typical art-world identity constructed narrative; instead, he is influenced and led by cultural critique and wordplay. Resultantly, the pseudonym creates the mystique of an artist whilst also forwarding the work's critique of authorship and persona as well as the viewer's relationship to the work.

Emerging through galleries and significant visibility by virtue of his [Instagram](https://fairart.com/editorial/insights/the-rise-of-instagram-artists-breaking-down-barriers-in-the-art-world/121) account, McQueen has established a significant fan base since he started creating and posting works online. His increased visibility online with a consistent language targeting parallel discourses (literature, art, graffiti culture, and post-modern pastiche) has helped him emerge as a significant artist compelled by alterity in all forms.


James McQueen

British

Main

Artist

Printer

medium_James-Mcqueen_Happiness-Is-Expensive(1).jpeg

small_James-Mcqueen_Happiness-Is-Expensive(1).jpeg

thumbnail_James-Mcqueen_Happiness-Is-Expensive(1).jpeg

xs_James-Mcqueen_Happiness-Is-Expensive(1).jpeg

James-Mcqueen_Happiness-Is-Expensive(1).jpeg

Happiness Is Expensive