If you've been in recently, you will have seen the very happy face of Elmo on our ground floor.
The man behind the work is London based James-Lee Duffy, visual artist and co-founder of cult art zine Pavement Licker. Known for his bold, cartoon-inspired style and roots in street art, he’s spent over 20 years mixing creativity with chaos. His work’s been shown everywhere from underground shows to the Royal Academy.
James' work has been: "banned by the London Underground; worn by supermodels; exhibited in New York, London, and Tokyo; read on the toilet; drunk out of; written about; printed in coffee table books; scrawled on the walls throughout the Saatchi Gallery; tattooed on human skin; broadcast on the news; stuck on children’s lunch boxes; displayed on Europe’s biggest billboard; collaborated with; taken over a clothing store; and hung on collectors’ walls." (Source)
We popped a few questions to Justin Smith from Ashbees100 Gallery in Rye, East Sussex, where James is the main resident artist, to tell you about the artwork's journey.
What does this work say to you?
This piece, titled Where Is The Party by James-Lee Duffy, brings joy, nostalgia, and fun in James’s unique contemporary style. It makes you smile, and as you will see at The Fisheries, it instantly transforms large or small spaces with sophisticated charm.
How did you come across James’s work?
I came across James’s work in a strange way... I sold him a Popeye fairground striker, that was used in a vintage funfair. When I delivered the piece to James and his wife Katie, I noticed a few stunning artworks in their house and asked who they were by. James confirmed they were his, and after a year of trying, I finally convinced him to join us as our main resident artist.
How did the work come to live at The Fisheries?
Hugo, (The Fisheries founder), visited our gallery in Rye and loved James’s work. He instantly fell in love with this piece and bought it for The Fisheries to bring more joy to everyone’s working day.
For people looking to start collecting art for the first time—what are your insider tips?
My insider tips are simple: start by buying art that makes you smile and feel good. Never hesitate—nine times out of ten, if you walk away, you’ll regret it. Your passion will grow naturally from there, and you can start exploring the wide array of cool artists out there.
You can see our new work on the ground floor in between the two main community desk areas.
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