Jason Grant Batchelor
Jason is a 54 old man, who was born at the Northern Rivers in New South Wales. He relocated with his family to Mareeba, Far North Queensland in 1972, and it was there at Mareeba, that Jason went to school and then progressed into the work force.
Violence, in the form of fighting, was a constant part of Jason's growing up, and when he began his apprenticeship at the age 15, alcohol was added to his repertoire of self destructive behaviours.
In 2001 Jason shot two men after being sexually assaulted, and was convicted of murder, and sentenced to 'life' imprisonment with a non-parole period of twenty years.
Whilst incarcerated Jason started drawing and painting, initially as a means of filling time, but quickly developing his style and motifs to use as a vehicle with which to convey commentary, and censure of the craziness of his environment.
By 2017 Jason had formalised his artistic practice by enrolling at Curtin University and completing a Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) degree.
In November 2021 Jason was granted parole and released back into the community. Since being released he has started a screen printing business ( SHED 76 ), and is actively engaging with the Cairns and Regional creative arts community, and has recently travelled to Melbourne to be a part of a group exhibition.
Jason produces art which makes strong, and often bold statements regarding the human condition and is not afraid to express an opinion using the most visceral of imagery.
Jason's art is eminently collectable, and his formative jail pieces should be considered the most valued treasures of an ever expanding portfolio of work.
Jason continues to create and evolve his art work, and looks forward to a very long future as someone who will be considered a significant Australian artists of the 21st century.