James McQueen’s Solo Show Explores Pop Art Through Vintage Book Covers

James McQueen: If You Ever Leave Me I’m Coming With You was a solo presentation by pop artist James McQueen hosted at Halcyon Gallery on New Bond Street, London, from 15 November 2023 to 7 January 2024. The exhibition unveiled a fresh series of works that reinterpret classic Penguin Book covers through bold, expressive painting. Her Fine Art

For this body of work, McQueen draws inspiration from the familiar design of Penguin Books, using its iconic cover format as a foundation for his vibrant and often satirical compositions. The selected titles and phrases evoke emotions ranging from playful to ironic, giving each piece a narrative quality. Her Fine Art

Since 2017, McQueen has worked under a pseudonym, a practice he says helps him focus solely on the creative process without the distraction of public acclaim. He has stated that maintaining anonymity allows his work to stand on its own merits, free from external judgement. Her Fine Art

Despite the artist’s secret identity, his paintings communicate a personal dimension, with McQueen’s recurring monkey motif acting as a symbolic signature throughout the works. Her Fine Art

McQueen’s technique involves applying numerous layers of paint and then sanding the surface to mimic the aged, worn appearance of well-used books. This method produces textured artworks that reflect the life of a book passed from reader to reader, complete with visual marks that suggest wear, annotations, and age. Her Fine Art

Beyond the nostalgic surface, the exhibition explores themes associated with Pop Art and abstraction. McQueen’s approach positions these pieces beyond mere homage; he treats the Penguin cover as a visual starting point for painting that is both expressive and contemporary. Her Fine Art

The work also channels influences from art history and cultural icons, drawing on elements associated with movements and figures such as Pop Art, Abstract Expressionism, and artists including Ed Ruscha, Damien Hirst, Banksy, Andy Warhol, and Harland Miller. Her Fine Art

If You Ever Leave Me I’m Coming With You showcased some of McQueen’s most ambitious and varied techniques to date, expanding the possibilities of what can be achieved within the familiar visual language of vintage book covers. Her Fine Art