JJ Adams: A Contemporary Artist with a Unique Vision
JJ Adams is a contemporary British artist known for his vibrant, mixed-media artworks that blend elements of street art, pop culture, and graphic design. His unique style and thought-provoking pieces have garnered attention from art enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
Early Life and Education
Born in Plymouth, England, in March 1978, JJ Adams is the son of a Baptist minister. At the age of six, in 1984, he moved with his family to Cape Town, South Africa, where he spent much of his youth. Adams attended various schools in South Africa, facing challenges in his academic performance. He was held back two years and expelled from boarding school.
During his time in South Africa, Adams frequently visited the studio of contemporary landscape artist Derric van Rensburg, sparking his love for bright colours and graphic art. He studied graphic design at Cape College while working as an apprentice at Wildfire Tattoos, a busy tattoo studio in central Cape Town that significantly influenced his artistic interests.
Artistic Development and Style
JJ Adams's artistic style is characterised by the use of mixed media, combining elements such as spray paint, hand-painted acrylics, screen printing, collage, digital matte painting, and photography. His work often features vibrant colours, bold lines, and a fusion of street art and pop culture references.
Adams draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists, including Norman Rockwell, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and Sir Peter Blake. His experiences in South Africa, as well as his time working in a tattoo studio and as a graphic designer, have significantly influenced his artistic development.
Career Highlights and Achievements
In 1998, Adams returned to Plymouth, England, where he enrolled at Plymouth College of Art & Design to study commercial printing. He then worked for a commercial printing company before starting his own commercial sign and graphic design business while working on art in his spare time.
In 2009, Adams decided to pursue his art career full-time and moved to London. Since then, his work has been featured in galleries across the UK, US, and Canada. He has collaborated with high-profile brands such as Rolls-Royce and Bang & Olufsen, and his artwork has been showcased in prestigious publications like Vogue and GQ.
Adams has also curated bespoke artworks for two high-profile London restaurants, Hyde in Kensington and The Frog by Adam Handling in Covent Garden.
Celebrity Collectors and Commissions
JJ Adams's artwork has attracted the attention of several celebrity collectors, including Slash from Guns N' Roses and Shaun Ryder of the Happy Mondays. His pieces have also been featured on popular television shows like Made in Chelsea, Britain's Next Top Model, and Through the Keyhole.
Contributions to the Art Community
Through the sale of his artwork, JJ Adams has contributed to various charitable causes in the UK. In 2015, a 20 cm x 20 cm painting by Adams raised over £5,000 for charity at an auction.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
JJ Adams is married with five children and resides in South London. He maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his artistic pursuits and charitable endeavors.
Legacy and Impact
JJ Adams's unique style and thought-provoking artworks have made a significant impact on the contemporary art scene. His ability to blend various media and incorporate elements of street art, pop culture, and graphic design has inspired and influenced many aspiring artists.
JJ Adams's journey from a rebellious youth in South Africa to a celebrated contemporary artist in the UK is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and unique creative vision. As he continues to push the boundaries of his artistic expression, JJ Adams's legacy in the art world is sure to endure, captivating audiences with his vibrant and thought-provoking works.
His Work
I am so excited to launch the JJ Adams's - Autumn Collection 2021, with sixteen gorgeous and eclectic images that on viewing you will say 'Ahhhh they're definitely JJs!' The main image from the series is the stunning 'The Bat' which is the artist's latest entry into the Batman series, following on from the limited edition: 'I'm Not A Monster' (B&W and colour editions, 2020).
Some other series are also continued, including the best selling Star Wars themed editions, his 'Tattoo Series,' and revisits to the 'Rule Britannia' collection & subcategory the 'Fairground Portfolio' (for those that know!) with 'Dodgems.'
Also, JJ's beloves 'Dave' statue also makes a return with the cheeky 'Dave T-800' (aka Terminator Dave). - 27th August 2021
JJ releases his first major collection for 2021 and cheekily called: ❤️ 'The Cat's Out Of The Bag - Spring Collection,' containing a plethora of pleasing imagery from the artist. Continuations of various mini-collections including: the final entry to the Back To The Future movie 'DeLorean Car’ story, 'Rule Britannia', the cartoon series (landscape orientation a la 'Dirty Disney' style) and 'Royalty Tattoo' with beautiful interpretations of Queen Elizabeth II.
There really is something for everyone in this Spring series of releases - 25th March 2021
We welcome the release of the JJ Adam's Metallic Gold Keep Calm - Series, this is set to be JJ's final set of these stencil & spray paint tributes to beloved Cartoon Characters (including Disney) and also the ‘Keep Calm And Carry On’ posters and internet meme! - 29th October 2020
JJ Adam's Autumn Collection is here with a fantastic broad range of limited editions and originals, kicking off what will be a flurry of new releases for us this Autumn, we are happy such a beloved artist is spoiling you all! - 29th August 2020
As we approach late August 2020, we are excited to see JJ's Late Summer/ Autumn 2020 Collection and what artistic goodies it will hold for all of us!
Today is the release off JJ Adams - 'Stay Homes, Save Lives' limited editions; JJ's Mary Poppins colour tattoo reimagined and a tribute to our beloved NHS workers and all our front line Emergency Service workers and behind the scenes staff. - 24th April 2020
A percentage of each sale will go to the NHS Charities Together foundation, when the Original Painting sells 100% will go to the charity!
We mark the launch of JJ Adams's Spring Collection 2020, a fantastic series of fifteen cutting edge and desirable imagery for his many fans in the UK and beyond. - 28th March 2020
JJ releases four new images in his Valentines Day 2020 Collection three depiciting Romeo & Juliet and the fourth is his modern quirky take on branding and flowers, simply called: 'Brand Bouquet.'
Perhaps the most iconic artist of the 2010s, JJ Adams is one of the first artist to rise to prominence organically over social media and was the sole ‘launch’ artist for Wishbone Art Publisher here in the UK in 2011 – successfully building their brand around him.
**JJ short interview:
Since his paintings debuted in UK galleries, many artists have followed along his artistic path but he is remains the first 'to market' and leader of this new wave of funky urban art, often reflective of childhoods of the 1980s amongst other themes.
He has rather a unique take on the creation of his artwork, skilfully blending photography. painting, digital imagery and spray paint, to name just a few mediums. Not surprising then his artwork is often referred to as ‘mixed media’ and is both evocative and instinctual in what he uses while painting,
He manages to play with your minds and mix iconic images with current trends & fashions. Perhaps you’ve browsed passed a gallery window? or come into a friend’s home? and seen a framed iconic photos of Princess Diane or Princess Lei (from Star Wars) re-colour palleted or re-stylised, with added tattoos – JJ’s ‘tattoo series’ is some of the most vociferously collected by his followers.
**JJ Adams visits Harry Flashman's Tattoo Parlour in Essex:
The limited edition print ‘Cooler King (2015),’ featuring Steve McQueen in modern clothing styles, seemed to have particularly caught the imagination of the public and became another iconic JJ image, blending cult celebrity with modern day fashion and sophistication.
So sort after was the McQueen image that in March 2020 JJ released the follow up limited edition print: 'Cooler King II' & we are confident this will be a best seller!
I particularly love his iconic takes on 1980s memorabilia & filmography. Have a look at the limited edition print: 'Still Life with Mogwai (2016)’which is stacked with goodies ranging from Nintendo, Rubik’s cube to Gizmo from Gremlins; or countless other limited edition releases: from Willy Wonka, Back To The Future and Ghostbusters films.
His art influences are wide and varying, ranging from Warhol’s to Peter Blake to Rockwell. JJ has twice been finalised for a premier Fine Art Trade Guild award in 2016 & 2017.
Hailing from the seaside town of Plymouth (UK), Adams he then moved to South Africa before returning to the UK, now living with his own wife and young family in West Sussex.
His first appearance and exhibition was, incidentally, at a gallery at our former location in Wanstead, East London, so talk about synchronicity!
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