Andre

Andre by Justin Lees is a bold and dynamic work on paper, created using rich, expressive layers of oil pastel. Inspired by the legendary presence of André the Giant, this piece captures both the power and humanity of an icon—raw, unfiltered, and larger than life.

With its gestural energy and deep, textured strokes, Andre The Giant radiates strength and emotion. The richness of the oil pastel brings a tactile, almost sculptural quality to the surface, making each mark feel immediate and alive.

Perfect for collectors who appreciate raw expressionism and striking portraiture, this artwork commands attention in any space, adding depth, movement, and personality to its surroundings.

Own this one-of-a-kind piece by Justin Lees

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Justin is visual artist based in the coastal town of Newcastle, Australia. Justin has been drawing for as long as he can remember. After earning his tertiary qualifications in Graphic Design and Photography (2009) Justin set out on new endeavours finally coming full circle and returning to his roots and rekindling his love of painting, photography, and design into a full-fledged professional career as an abstract,
expressionist painter.

Justin’s early work was big, bright, and vivid. It attracted interest due its gestural motion and layers,
reminiscent of abstract expressionism and abstraction periods from New York.
Justin still uses broad brush strokes of colour and retains a free-flowing style of strokes that provides a signature to all his work and maintains a unique abstract expressionism. As he has refined his artistic voice and established himself as one of Newcastle’s leading fine artists, his initial big-and-bold style has broadened to capture portraits and a more mature expressionist style that is very human.

Justin has had a number of solo and joint exhibitions at independent galleries in Newcastle throughout the late 2000’s and after a small hiatus from painting contributed to group shows as well as donating
significant works towards charitable causes such HMRI and the Mark Hughes Foundation. In 2019, Justin was commissioned by the Hunter Medical Research Institute to be the 2019 resident artist, creating an original work to be auctioned off, raising over $7000. As his profile gained momentum during 2020, he enjoyed the success of a sold-out solo show, “As We All Play Parts Of Tomorrow” at Blackstone Gallery in Newcastle.

Justin continues to enjoy commission work from a range of collectors and organisations and remains committed to working for charitable causes.During 2021, Justin has taken part in the highly successful, The Other Art Fair in Sydney and again enjoyed near sold-out success at Newcastle Art Space show.
This success was repeated at Onwards Studios, Newcastle.

Justin has concluded a recent show at Blackstone Gallery in September which celebrated the exuberance of the 1980’s period. Again, the exhibition attracted interest from buyers and collectors.

Justin’s work exists in private collections throughout Australia, New Zealand, England and Europe.