James Allen
The need to record and expose the consequence of time lies at the core of my practice. This transcends from the human form within architecture, to vessels flowing through water and on land and the permeating environment of the countryside.
A shift in recent years has seen the documentation of the city life, the hustle and bustle of the urban being challenged with the opposing view of the tranquil yet changeable environments encountered in the countryside. This push and pull of subject matter, of the rush against contemplation shows not a separation, but a harmonious and balanced relationship, one explored through mark, space and balance.
The use of variable materials, whether through drawing or print, must exploit the character and variation that each subject presents. The essential nature of time through fluidity, means the materials used must be captivating. At its core is the necessity and opportunity to document the unfolding events, those never be repeated again.
Career Path
2005 – 2007. Canterbury Christ Church University, MA Part Time Fine Art Printmaking
2004 – 2005. The Prince’s Drawing School, The “Drawing Year”, MA Level in Drawing
2001 – 2004. Canterbury Christ Church University, BA Hons Fine Art Printmaking
Selected Exhibitions
2023 The Pastel Society, Mall Galleries
2022 The Pastel Society, Mall Galleries
2021 RA Summer Exhibition, The Royal Academy of Arts, London
2020 The Pastel Society, Mall Galleries, London
2020 Printmakers 2020, The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, Canterbury
2019 The Lynn Painter-Stainers Prize, Mall Galleries, London
2016 The Canterbury Collective, The Horsebridge Centre, Whitstable
2015 The Society of Graphic Fine Art, Menier Gallery, London
2015 163rd Annual Open Exhibition, Royal West of England Academy, Bristol
2015 Battersea Art Station, Battersea Arts Centre, London
2015 London Group II, The Cello Factory, London
2015 The Canterbury Art Collective, The Horsebridge Centre, Whitstable
2014 Post Art, The Horsebridge Centre, Whitstable
2014 The Canterbury Art Collective, The Horsebridge Centre, Whitstable
2013 161st Annual Open Exhibition, Royal West of England Academy, Bristol
2013 Cork Street Open Exhibition, The Gallery in Cork Street, London
2013 Jerwood Drawing Prize, Jerwood Space, London and Tour
2013 A1 Open, The Horsebridge Centre, Whitstable
2013 Post Nude 2, The Horsebridge Centre, Whitstable
2013 The London Group Centenary Open, The Cello Factory, London
2013 Drawn 2013, Royal West of England Academy, Bristol
2012 Bentlif Open Art Prize, Bentlif Art Gallery, Maidstone
2012 The Thinking Line, Sidney Cooper Gallery, Canterbury
2012 Interpretation, SW1 Gallery, London
2011 RA Summer Exhibition, The Royal Academy of Arts, London
2011 SCG Contemporary Print Fair, Sidney Cooper Gallery, Canterbury
2009 ING Discerning Eye Exhibition, Mall Galleries, London
Solo Exhibition
2011 StARTle Arts Prize Winner, The Graham Clarke Gallery, Maidstone
Awards
Drawing Award sponsored by Derwent. 2015 The Society of Graphic Fine Art, Menier Gallery, London
Additional Experience
2013. Selection Panel Judge, Startle Arts Prize 2013, Maidstone
2012. Selection Panel Judge, Startle Arts Prize 2012, Maidstone
2008. “The Big Draw” Lead Artist, Sidney Cooper Gallery, Canterbury, Kent
2004 – 2005. Printmaking Artist in Residence, Canterbury Christ Church University Art Department, Kent
Collections
2005. Drawing in the personal archive of HRH The Prince of Wales
Hamilton Hall, JD Wetherspoon. Liverpool Street Station
The Captain Flinders, JD Wetherspoon. Euston Square
Augustine House Library, Canterbury Christ Church University. Kent
Helping Artists Keep Going
Axis is an artist-led charity supporting contemporary visual artists with resources, connection, and visibility.