James McQueen Artist Biography
James Mcqueen is a British Contemporary artist who was born in 1977.
James McQueen has been living between New York & London where he has been an actor for over 30 years.
Renowned for his Pop Art reinterpretations of vintage Penguin book covers. Working under a pseudonym since 2017, McQueen divides his time between London and New York, creating highly collectible artworks that merge nostalgia, satire, and cultural commentary.
McQueen’s paintings are instantly recognizable for their distressed, layered textures, achieved by sanding and lacquering paint to mimic the worn look of well-loved books. This tactile process transforms ordinary design into powerful visual statements, echoing Andy Warhol’s approach of elevating everyday objects to iconic status.
The artist is best known for his bold, provocative titles, including Too Cool To Give A Fuck, Give Me Solutions Not Fucking Problems, and Oh Bollocks. These playful works blend British humor, irony, and Pop Art aesthetics, making his art both accessible and thought-provoking. A recurring motif—the Banksy-inspired monkey—serves as his signature symbol of mischief, anonymity, and cultural critique.
McQueen’s art also functions as social and political commentary, addressing themes from the COVID-19 pandemic and NHS support to football culture, James Bond, and questions of identity. His ability to connect contemporary issues with classic design has attracted a global collector base.
Exhibitions and Market Recognition
James McQueen has presented major solo exhibitions at Halcyon Gallery, London, including You Don’t Know The Half Of It (2022) and If You Ever Leave Me, I’m Coming With You (2023). His works feature regularly in international group exhibitions and have performed strongly at auction, with prices ranging from $1,000 to over $18,000. Collectors value his original canvases, often priced between £14,000–£20,000, as well as his limited edition prints.