James Robinson

James Robinson describes his work as 'a constantly evolving material language of adaption and experimentation with...

head heart and hands'.

It is impossible to separate James Robinson from his artistic practice, so immersed is his life within his art and his art within his life.  Central to Robinson's work is the act of creation and disruption.  His works are often made over many years.  Layer upon layer, the work is built up, torn, burnt, stitched and distressed.  On first viewing the work can feel chaotic but there is care and intention throughout his process. Using a wide range of found materials including rusty nails, shells, mirror, lace, denim, hair and broken CDs, examining Robinson's work can feel like being pulled into a vortex.  You're never sure where the journey will take you. 

Robinson currently has a large scale mixed media work called 'Ocean in the Drop: best Apocalypse ever' within Disruptive Order at The Suter Art Gallery, Nelson. 

See more from James on his website https://www.jamesrobinson.nz/

Testimonials

‘... provoking, imploring, confessing ... he delivers a grungy retort to the clean-lined look of much recent art inspired by the virtual space of the computer screen ... Should we feel daunted by this chaos...or marvel at the vitality and moments of unexpected beauty to be found within it?’  Justin Paton, Head Curator of International Art, Art Gallery NSW, Sydney

‘beautiful, harsh and weirdly heroic ... Scorched, soaked and scavenged, Robinson’s paintings are a testimony to modern life as a chapter of accidents, where menace mingles with grief, and aggression with abjection.’  David Eggleton, New Zealand Listener, July 2003