World of Striking Realism. Nothing has a single meaning, and the paradox of simplicity lies in its complexity. So it is with the paintings of James Robertson, who delights in images of disarming directness, readily accessible in their striking realism, yet given a twist or bite that turns a smile into laughter, and then a lot of after thought. In the plethora of visual images of this contemporary world, Robertson's paintings fascinate through their extraordinary illusionism - so real that they seem to reach beyond reality and, through their heightened perception, create a world of their own. David Thomas, Professor of Fine Art at RMIT, Melbourne. James Robertson was born in 1968 in Melbourne Australia. He studied Industrial Design at Swinburne University Melbourne, after 10 years as a designer and Automotive Design Engineer discovered his passion for painting. Self taught, since starting in 2000, he is continually striving to capture atmosphere, tension and drama whilst incorporating a humorous but contemplative narrative. James has exhibited in solo shows, group shows and art fairs throughout Australia and Internationally. He has exhibited in Melbourne, Sydney, New York, Chicago and Shanghai. Education:Diploma of Industrial Design, Swinburne University Melbourne. Collections:MM&E Capital PTY Limeted – MelbourneSonray Capital MarketsBabcock & Brown, Melbourne Head OfficeSouthern Media AsiaKompressor P/L, MelbourneSirromet Wines P/L, QldUndertow Media, VicLakos Architects, VicRed Rock Leisure P/L, VicHouse On The Hill Gallery, VicThierry B Gallery, VicRoger David P/L, VicLinfox P/L, VicPrivate collections throughout Australia, Singapore, Canada and USA2011Salon Des Refuses, The S.H. Ervin Gallery, Sydney2010Art Equity Sydney, Solo Show “Consequences”2009Group Show, Gallery On Sturt, Ballarat, Vic2008Solo Show Rushcutter's Bay Gallery NSWIntroductory Show Rushcutter's Bay Gallery NSWArt Sydney 08Singapore Art Fair 082007Shanghai Art Fair, Goya GalleriesArt Sydney 07, Thierry B GalleryRiver East Art Center, Chicago, IL. Art Associates InternationalNew York NY, Art Associates InternationalSolo Show Thierry B Gallery MelbourneThierry B Gallery Group Show MelbourneArt Melbourne 07Paul Gullotti Gallery PerthPivotel Gallery Melbourne Group ShowPantechnicon Gallery Daylesford Victoria2006Thierry B Gallery Group Show MelbourneArt Melbourne 06Wetterling-Teo Gallery Singapore Group ShowPivotel Gallery MelbournePaul Gullotti Gallery PerthArt Sydney 06Pivotel Gallery Melbourne Group ShowPantechnicon Gallery Daylesford Victoria2005Thierry B Gallery MelbourneThierry B Gallery Group Show MelbournePantechnicon Gallery Daylesford VictoriaMelbourne Art 05Sydney Art 052004Commissioned Works California USAThierry B Gallery Group Show MelbournePink Foundation Charity Auction NGVGroup Show Wetterling Teo Gallery SingaporeMelbourne Affordable Art FairSydney Affordable Art FairSolo Show Thierry B Gallery Melbourne2003Thierry B Gallery Group Show MelbourneSydney Affordable Art FairSotheby's Variety Charity Auction MelbourneDuos show Thierry B Gallery Melbourne