Taking inspiration from both Minimalism and Abstract Expressionism, James Boatman makes paintings about paint: its materiality, sculptural presence and transformative, alchemical nature. The energy of Boatman’s process is palpable in the rich swathes of colour applied in thick, fluid, overlaid brushstrokes. Light plays across the sculpted surface echoing the dynamism and vigour of its creation. In addition to acrylic and resin on wood board paintings, Boatman also works in pure pigment - vividly intense, richly emotive, these precious stone-like paintings resonate and dominate space. Boatman’s works are definitively autonomous and, although they invite contemplation, their nature remains discrete, hermetic and ultimately resistant of absolute interpretation.
James Boatman lives and works in Berlin and Vancouver.