James Lawson was born in London in 1977. He studied Painting and Printmaking (BA Hons) at Sheffield Hallam University, graduating in 1998. He lives and works in Whitstable.

James makes rhythmic abstract works that use simple mathematical rules in their composition. Patterns evolve according to an internal logic which is chosen at the outset and allowed to play out sequentially. He creates shifting rhythms with elements weaving in and out of synch and finding moments of tension and harmony.

James often employs strategies that cause discernible patterns to change and ultimately begin to lose legibility or seem to deteriorate towards chaos. Working on top of a carefully measured and drawn grid, his process has evolved to embrace more freehand methods in addition to the structured hard edges of his earlier output. In this way, he aims to create a dialogue in which accident, chance and traces of his physical process interact with pattern, structure, logic and order.

Inspiration for James comes from a preoccupation with sequences, progressions and rhythms in the world around him and throughout art history. Pattern is universal, linking artists in dialogue across time, place and discipline; from minimal and generative painting to woven textiles. Ideas that span the intersection between music and abstract visual art, in particular polyrhythm (the interaction of contrasting rhythms) and counterpoint (the interweaving of independent melodies, or voices, to create a harmonious whole) are also key inspirations.

James’ pictures can often be ‘read’, for example from left to right. However, the aim is that the viewer can also step back and apprehend an overall effect, and that the experience of the work can fluctuate between these two states.

He is a member of, and has exhibited with, the Riverside Artists Group in Hammersmith since 2024, and the New Constructivists Group, London. He was selected as one of the artists in residence to exhibit work at the London Coffee Festival in 2023 at the Truman Brewery.

His work has been exhibited at the East London Print Studio; The Wooden Box Gallery, Ramsgate; Ramsgate Print Fair 2025; hARTS Lane Gallery, London; ACAVA Hythe Road Open Studio Weekend, London; The Lido Stores, Margate; Front Room Gallery, Ramsgate; Tate Staff Biennale at Tate Modern London; Fox Yard Studio, Stowmarket; Fitzrovia Gallery, London; Willesden Gallery, London; No Format Gallery, London; Gallery Different, London; The Stash Gallery at Vout-O-Reenee’s, London; London Print Studio Summer Exhibition 2019; Studio One Gallery, London and A-side B-side Gallery, London.