Held during Mental Health Month, James + Friends is a group exhibition celebrating the work of the late artist James Ballaam Elsley and his contemporaries. This brief but powerful exhibition seeks to raise awareness of those dealing with mental health issues, particularly in the Arts. Through the sale of donated artworks, the participating artists also aim to raise funds for the James Ballaam Elsley Memorial Award at the National Art School, where James attended.

A prolific painter, James developed a distinctive style from a young age. His work delves into the psychology of interior space, the symbolism of gesture, and absurdity of the mundane. His meticulous planning – through drawing and the use of sketchbooks – is paired with a suite of his painted work, spanning his practice as a whole. The fundraiser artworks feature many practicing National Art School Alumni, and Mosman High School peers and mentors, with artworks including oil paintings, charcoal illustrations and a sketchbook of James’s ideas. An accompanying artist book displaying many of James’s works has been compiled and produced by the curatorial team and Miasma Press, as well as reproductions of his paintings and drawings.

Curated by Olivia Arnold and Ashlee Bucholtz, and presented by aMBUSH Gallery, James + Friends is a celebration of life, art and the artists’ support of each other, with the full line-up of the show including 30+ of his closest mates. This event has raised over $7500 towards the titular award for painting in James’s memory at the National Art School.

Images courtesy of Ambush Gallery.