James Coe | Life Scapes
OLSEN Gallery | 27 August - 20 September, 2025
My practice is generated from observation and imagination. It allows me to explore everyday subjects — interiors, architecture, figuration and landscape and share vivid representations of colour and texture that seek emotional resonance and atmospheric harmony rather than literal detailed depictions.
Texture and mark making are central points to express the construct of each piece. Rather than give in to strict realism, I embrace figurative entropy — the sense that forms dissolve and emerge through layers of paint and expressive movement. My aim is to transform something quietly overlooked into an inviting experience with depth beyond obvious structure.
- James Coe
James Coe is a contemporary Gadigal and Bidjigal-based artist known for his imaginative use of colour and texture. Influenced by the natural world and human experience, his works transform everyday subjects into vibrant, multi-layered compositions. Coe’s art most often depicts natural landscapes, architecture/ interiors and figuration, employing bold palettes and textural mark-making to evoke emotion and invite viewers into a deeper exploration of the connection and interplay between nature and imagination.
Born in Manly, on Sydney’s northern beaches in the 1980’s. Coe grew up in the coastal urban environment travelling to Randwick through the city each day due to a family separation arrangement. Influenced by the harbour and beaches nestled into the innercity cityscape, curiosity naturally drew James to the inner Sydney arts scene as a teenager until moving to London and working in the fashion industry as an electrician/ lighting engineer. Constantly experimenting with photography and drawing whilst being surrounded by working professional artists and underground graffiti affiliates, it wasn't until James discovered his own personal style developing a series of paintings as cathartic practice from insomnia and depression. These works were not exhibited and consequently lay in a garage for five years before being shared as a story on social media where some paintings were privately sold and one landscape sold through a Sydney gallery. Further works were sold at group shows and eventually Coe was approached to collaborate and produce a small show with MCM house (interiors and furniture manufacturer). The small show of 14 works completely sold out, which rolled into a threeyear artist residency to produce a larger show in 2023. James Still resides in the south eastern beach of Maroubra where he lives with his wife and three daughters.
