McQueen Plays: You Don't Know The Half Of It

On November 15th, James McQueen's latest solo show, If You Ever Leave Me I'm Coming with You, opens to the public, displaying a new body of works using Penguin Books covers as a starting point for bold and satirical paintings.

James McQueen’s complex application of paint elevates his art beyond the mere imitation of a nostalgic object towards an art that is rich and expressive, exploring themes of Pop art and abstraction. Working under a pseudonym, he introduces an autobiographical dimension to the work with his trademark monkey, using this mischievous character as a kind of personal insignia.

The titles and sentiments are evocative, playful and sometimes cynical, depicted through a process of layering the canvas with thickly applied expressive brush strokes, characteristic of Abstract Expressionism. The anonymous artist also incorporates drip painting into a number of his canvases. McQueen has produced the most experimental and varied painting of his entire oeuvre, having assimilated drop painting, re-imagined spots and begun experimenting with the diamond dust technique. Hugely popular with collectors, the artist continues to break new ground through complex and contemporary artworks, making his pieces powerful statements in any setting.

Find out more about the artist here or alternatively shop all his art here.