Robertson's figures contrast with the romance of his landscapes, offering not only redemption but also hope beyond the burden of our mercantile society.

James Robertson studied Industrial Design at Swinburne University of Techology, Melbourne. After 10 years as a designer he discovered his passion for painting. Self-taught since starting in 2000, he is continually striving to capture atmosphere, tension and drama while incorporating a humorous but contemplative narrative.

David Thomas, Professor of Fine Art at RMIT, Melbourne, writes: ‘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 afterthought. 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.’