The allure of James McGrath’s work lies in its visual seduction, and its stunning marriage of Baroque illusion with cutting-edge digital technology. James McGrath’s latest exhibition, “Suspending Illusion” takes his 17th century inspired compositions to a new level, giving greater scope to McGrath’s original vision.
James folds his own paintings in with historical artwork to construct abstract compositions that are printed on photographic paper face mounted to Plexiglas. The results are stunning landscapes and figurative works which are presented in compositions that simulate the billowing drapes of the Baroque era (circa 1600-1715) using Baroque theories of perspective.
In James’ words “These panels are not photography, traditional painting, or pure digital art – and yet are linked to all three media. The works fold 18th century genres and narratives together to create a compelling contemporary image.”
To request an artist PDF or a high resolution image of any of the works, please email Derek at
To reserve a copy of the catalogue to be released fall 2008, contact
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2004
400 Years, Gibsone Jessop Gallery, Toronto, Canada
Vision & Verse, Neville Keating Tollemanche, London, England
Baroque Ensembles, MCG Galleries, New York, NY, USA
2003
Quadrautura, Michael Carr Gallery, Sydney, Australia
Digital Baroque, Gibsone Jessop Gallery, Toronto, Canada
Toronto International Art Fair, Gibsone Jessop Gallery, Toronto, Canada
Travelling Exhibition, Blake Art Competition, Sydney, Australia
2002
Dutchscapes, MCG Galleries, New York, U.S.A
2001
Infra-red Baroque, Michael Carr Gallery, Sydney, Australia
Tidal Vectors, Tugboat film and video series, Pier 63, New York, U.S.A.
2000
Baroque and Modernity, Screening, J. Paul Getty Museum, CA, USA
Baroque and Modernity, Screening, Laguna Art Museum, CA, USA
Harbour / Metropolis, Audio Visual installation, Museum of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Michael Carr art gallery, Sydney, Australia
National Digital Art Awards Show, Queensland Museum of Modern Art, Brisbane, Australia
Customs House, Audio/visual installations City Exhibition space,
1999
Digital Animation, Sydney Film Festival, Twin Academy, Sydney, Australia
Digital Performance, Sculpture by The Sea festival, Sydney, Australia
1997
Queen Street Fine Art, Solo Exhibition, Sydney, Australia
1996
Cite Internationale des Arts, Solo Exhibition Paris, Australia
1995
Queen Street Fine Art, Solo Exhibition Sydney, Australia
AWARDS & HONOURS
2003
Blake Exhibition Finalist, Sydney, Australia
1999
Australian Arts Council new media Commission, Sydney, Australia
1998
National Digital Art Award Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
NSW Ministry of Arts Project grant
1997
Australian Post Graduate Award, Sydney, Australia
Directors Award, Sculpture By the Sea, Sydney, Australia
1996
Moya Goring Paris Studio residency, Cite des Arts, Paris, France
1990
Bioloa International Design Award, Sydney, Australia
SELECTED COLLECTIONS
Museum Commissions:
2002
Customs House, Digital Hall of mirrors, City Exhibition Space, Sydney, Australia
2000
Tidal Vectors, Harbour Exhibition, Museum of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
1999
Customs House City, City Exhibition Space, Sydney, Australia
Mural Commisions:
2001
Titian’s Gaze, Korossy residence, New York, U.S.A.
1999
The Colonnade, BTF East Circular Quay, Sydney, Australia
1998
Wink Centre, Bligh and Hunter Street, Sydney, Australia
