Working from his studio in rural Northamptonshire, James Bristow creates unique edition screenprinted artworks.

Self-taught, he reinterprets the tradition of silkscreen printmaking used for mass reproduction of a singular image, instead utilising screen and squeegee like an abstract expressionist. Happenstance is encouraged, throwing up unexpected one-off results, outweighing any idea of outcome or perfection.

The Seneca phrase “we are waves of the same sea” informs a recurring theme and motif; addressing inequality and division and translating it into a celebratory technicolour resistance. Some might call this naive. The artist prefers words like joyful, hopeful and positive(ful).

The flex of the wave in Bristow’s work is pure motion. His prints are sudden experiences of vitality: elegant undulations, tactile and cerebral. Formally they evoke unity in difference; their use of colour is generous. Looking at them sparks energised rumination.

Selected group exhibitions.

2024

June-Sept : MK Calling – MK Gallery

Sept : Small & Mighty – Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers, London

July : ArtCan FIESTA! – Inky Fingers, London

Jan-Feb : Open Exhibition – The Royal Cambrian Academy of Art

2023

Nov-Feb : Rugby Open – Rugby Art Gallery

Nov : Heseltine Open – Oxfordshire

Oct : ArtCan HOME – The Department Store, Brixton, London

Sept : FIFTEEN – Northampton Museum & Gallery

June : ArtCan AMPLIFY – New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts

March : L’Atelier11 – Towcester

2022

Nov : ING Discerning Eye – Mall Galleries, London

Sept : Northants Open Exhibition – Lamport Hall

Visitors are welcome to the studio (by appointment).

Click here to arrange a viewing.