James Lai | Paddock Trees, Mudgee
Paddock Trees, Mudgee | 2023
Acrylic on canvas
80 x 180 cm (triptych framed together)
Tasmanian Oak shadow box frame
$ 3500
Songs Of The Land
In these works, I perceive the landscape as a theatrical play, with its range of elemental characters and the dynamism of movement. The works play with the viewer's natural understanding of perspective and depth. The day sky is juxtaposed against the night sky; the faraway trees appear near. The fragmented landscapes create a kind of disorientation, exaggeration and drama likened to theatrics. Utilising a painterly style, the works possess the qualities of innocence, humour and joy.
BIO
James Lai
Sydney-based landscape painter, James Lai creates contemporary semi abstract landscape works using his distinctive inventive and primitive style.
"Inspired by the multi-faceted Australian landscape, from its majestic mountain ranges and valleys to the rugged rural country, I find a constant urge to portray nature in its raw beauty and with its sense of freedom with paint. Painting in a semi abstract style allows me to express my interpretation of the unique elements and nuances that can be found in every landscape scene. My works are created with a strong focus on vision, the process of abstraction, colour palette and striking a fine balance between technical and emotion."
Recent Achievements:
Finalist - Sir John Sulman Prize (2023)
Finalist - Calleen Art Award 2023
Finalist (Commended) - Hawkesbury Art Prize (2023)
Finalist - Lethbridge 20000 Art Award (2023)
Finalist - Calleen Art Award (2022)
Finalist - Lethbridge 20000 Art Award (2022)
Finalist - Northern Beaches Environment Art and Design Prize (2021)
Finalist - Lethbridge 20000 Art Award (2021)
Finalist - SBS Portrait Prize (2021)
Finalist - Paddington Art Prize (2020)
Finalist - Gosford Art Prize (2020)
Finalist - Greenway Art Prize (2020)
Finalist - Little Things Art Prize (2020)
Finalist - SBS Landscape Prize (2020)
Finalist - Lethbridge 20000 Small Scale Art Award (2020)
Finalist - The Alice Prize (2020)
Finalist - Paddington Art Prize (2019)
Finalist - Hornsby Art Prize (2019)
Finalist - Blacktown City Art Prize (2019)
Finalist - Hawkesbury Art Prize (2019)
