The Scramble for Africa

There is a wrong and racist perspective that Africa is poor, lacks resources and is in need of help. It is a view repeated through a thousand images, newspaper stories and charity appeals each year, so that it takes on the weight of truth. When we read it, we reinforce assumptions and stories about Africa that we’ve heard throughout our lives. We reconfirm our image of Africa. Try something different. “Africa is rich but we steal its wealth.” I wanted to show the child as Africa: pulled one way and the other by the West, who have taken their riches for centuries and left the people to suffer and fight for the crumbs.

James Earley 

James Earley uses his work to raise awareness of issues such as homelessness, mental health and war. James aims to make the invisible visible, wanting his art to scream and demand attention. James first came to prominence in 2013 when he was chosen to be a part of The Art Investors’ acclaimed 2013 “Seven Artists Exhibition”, this exhibition was held at London’s Strand Gallery and focused on 7 of the very best young Artists in the world. 

His work took another route in 2015 with his powerful and emotional studies of homeless people, victims of war and religious martyrs. This work took him to another level in the art world as he was nominated by The BP award, The Royal Institute of Oil Painters and The Royal Institute Of Portrait Painters; culminating in his work being displayed at the iconic and famous Mall Gallery in the heart of London. James was selected in 2019 to show his work at the prestigious London Biennale.

James has been described by the German Kunst Heute publication as well as The International Contemporary Art Curators as one of the most significant artists in the world today. James Earley has thus emerged as one of the foremost pioneers of figurative and hyperrealism painting in Britain today, a fact all the more remarkable since James is a self taught artist.

In 2019 James was awarded first prize at The prestigious London Biennale, the Giotto International Prize and the Leonardo da Vinci International Prize. James was awarded the Venice International Art Prize in 2020 and has been chosen by The European Cultural Centre to exhibit his work at the Venice Biennale 2022.   

Based on our agreement with the artist, 15% of the pre-VAT price excluding frames will be donated to support the social movement. Donation will be given to Racial Justice Network.