James Gleeson - Australian Surrealist

When we think of Surrealism, usually Dali comes to mind first, then the likes of Max Ernst, Yves Tanguy, André Breton, Leonora Carrington and a host of others. We think of Paris and New York, but Sydney, Australia?

Yes, Australia had its own Surrealist in the guise of James Gleeson. Born 1915, he originally trained as teacher. He later became an art critic writing for some Australia's leading newspapers. As a young man he travelled to Europe to make contact with and absorb surrealist influences which he admired so much. A clear Dali influence can be seen on his earlier works.

He then started exploring more grotesque imagery as he delved into the dark shadowy recesses of his subconscious. Gleeson took Surrealism seriously with all his heart and mind. He delved deeply into the psychological theories on the subconscious from Freud and Jung.

Much to my disappointment when I attempted to contact him at the end of his career, I made the fatal mistake of trying to talk paint with him. After he curt but polite refusal, I discovered from another artist who had successfully engaged with him, that had I started out with wishing to discuss psychology, I would not have been able to shut him up. Such is life.

Further travel to Europe saw him draw upon more classical influences in his work as the images became more refined.

During the 70's as rigid conservative Australian culture started follow international trends and start to loosen up a bit on some of its moral mores, Gleeson started expressing his homosexuality in the imagery of his works. 

But it was in the 80's when he retired and committed himself to full time painting, that he really hit his stride with the development of his very unique style and an enviable output of artwork. It was at this point his years as an art critic started to pay off with connections that brought him commercial success.

Even so, one of the gallerists that represented him, commented to me, it was hard to sell his work, because many ordinary people found his works overwhelming or outright threatening or scary. But that did not bother Gleeson. He had found his style and a rich vein of material to explore and express.

Well into his old age he continued a spartan discipline of painting every day producing large imposing paintings. However a stroke set him back for a time and slowed him down somewhat as well as forcing him to downsize his works. Nevertheless he was passionate his art and that of others until his very last days, continuing to paint until he died at age 92 in 2008.

Hi his will, he left the entirety of his finances ($1 million AUD) and estate to the National Gallery of NSW, who then established the James Gleeson Trust to purchase further works of art. 

While he may not have achieved much recognition beyond Australian shores, especially before the advent of the internet, he certainly has inspired generations of Australian artists, and now perhaps you also.

An extensive catalogue of his works can be found on the Australian Art Sales Digest.

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