Can We Just Get High Again

Can We All Just Get High Again – Justin Lees

Bold, raw, and unapologetically expressive, Can We All Just Get High Again by Justin Lees is an electrifying statement on escapism, nostalgia, and the pursuit of fleeting moments of joy. Layers of oil on canvas create a textured, dynamic surface where gestural brushstrokes and deep contrasts pull the viewer into a space between chaos and calm.

Inspired by the collective longing for simpler times and the ritual of release, this piece pulses with energy—whether it’s a rebellious call to arms or a wistful nod to lost euphoria is left for the viewer to decide. With its striking composition and immersive depth, this artwork will command attention in any space, sparking conversation and contemplation.

Own a piece of Justin Lees’ signature abstract expressionism, where movement, mood, and meaning collide.

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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.