Justin Lees
A Full Book At Wyong, 2023
Oil on Canvas
Height 40 cm x Width 30 cm
Artwork is framed and ready to hang & comes with certificate of authenticity
Artist Bio: Justin Lees is an accomplished painter, sculptor, designer, and photographer whose work has captivated collectors and art enthusiasts both in Australia and internationally. Based in Newcastle, Australia, Lees’ abstract expressionist style combines vibrant colour palettes, bold brushstrokes, and textured layers, inviting viewers into an exploration of memory, nature, and the emotional landscapes of human experience.
A self-taught artist, Lees has held over 10 solo exhibitions since 2004, consistently drawing attention for his distinctive visual language. His work is deeply rooted in his personal reflections on nature and inner experience, blending harmony with the chaos of life in a way that feels both raw and profound. Whether working on large-scale canvases or more intimate pieces, Lees’ paintings are
immersive, evoking a visceral emotional response in those who view them.
Between 2008 and 2014, Lees took a brief hiatus from full-time painting, focusing on commission pieces and group shows while exploring new creative directions. His re-emergence in 2019 as the
Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) Artist in Residence where he created works inspired by scientific exploration. This marked a significant turning point in his career, with works from that period quickly gaining recognition in both solo and group exhibitions, leading to sold-out exhibitions and renewed attention from collectors and critics.
In 2023, Lees expanded his artistic practice with a highly successful solo exhibition that featured a newly created body of work, a self-published book, and a co-produced documentary, which he also wrote the music for. This project reflected his ability to merge various creative forms into a cohesive, deeply engaging narrative, further establishing his reputation as an artist with a wide-ranging and innovative practice.
With his sights set on further evolution, Lees is undertaking an international residency in France in December 2024, where he plans to explore new concepts and studies, with a focus on integrating soundscapes into his visual works. This residency will allow Lees to expand his practice on a global stage, developing work that bridges auditory and visual experiences to create multi-sensory art. A finalist in the Gosford Art Prize and the Newcastle Club Foundation Art Prize in 2024, among other local accolades, Lees continues to push boundaries, capturing the attention of curators and collectors both locally and abroad. His works are held in private collections across Australia, New Zealand, England, and Europe, marking him as a rising force in contemporary art.
Always searching for new ways to connect with his audience, Lees’ ongoing exploration of abstract forms, combined with his passion for storytelling, positions him as an exciting talent for galleries looking to engage diverse, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant works.