Blue Love SOngs Painting

Justin Lees, Born 1981, lives and works in Mulubinba / Newcastle, Australia. Justin Lees is an accomplished painter, sculptor, designer, and photographer whose work has captivated collectors and art enthusiasts both in Australia and internationally. Based in Newcastle, Australia, Lees’ abstract expressionist style combines vibrant colour palettes, bold brushstrokes, and textured layers, inviting viewers into an exploration of memory, nature, and the emotional landscapes of human experience. A self-taught artist, Lees has held over 10 solo exhibitions since 2004, consistently drawing attention for his distinctive visual language. His work is deeply rooted in his personal reflections on nature and inner experience, blending harmony with the chaos of life in a way that feels both raw and profound. Whether working on large-scale canvases or more intimate pieces, Lees’ paintings are immersive, evoking a visceral emotional response in those who view them. Between 2008 and 2014, Lees took a brief hiatus from full time painting, focusing on commission pieces and group shows while exploring new creative directions. His re emergence in 2019 as the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) Artist in Residence where he created works inspired by scientific exploration. This marked a significant turning point in his career, with works from that period quickly gaining recognition in both solo and group exhibitions, leading to sold-out exhibitions and renewed attention from collectors and critics. His creative output during this time signalled his deepening engagement with multidisciplinary art and scientific inquiry. In 2023, Lees expanded his artistic practice with a highly successful solo exhibition that featured a newly created body of work, a self-published book, and a co-produced documentary, which he also wrote the music for. This project reflected his ability to merge various creative forms into a cohesive, deeply engaging narrative, further establishing his reputation as an artist with a wide-ranging and innovative practice. With his sights set on further evolution, Lees is undertaking an international residency in France in December 2024, where he plans to explore new concepts and studies, with a focus on integrating soundscapes into his visual works. This residency will allow Lees to expand his practice on a global stage, developing work that bridges auditory and visual experiences to create multi-sensory art.