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James Timothy Gleeson (1915 – 2008)
Australia’s Foremost Surrealist Artist
When discussing Australian surrealism, James Gleeson is a name that stands out above the rest. Often linked to the contemporary art world by admirers, serious art collectors, art industry leaders and academics. He was born in Hornsby, Sydney, and became renowned as Australia’s leading surrealist painter in the late 1960s.
Gleeson studied at East Sydney Technical College and Sydney Teacher’s College, and he first exhibited his surrealist paintings at the Contemporary Art Society in Melbourne in 1939. His international experience spanned from 1947 to 1949 in Europe—and later in Europe and the USA during 1958–1959—greatly influenced his artistic vision. Beyond his practice, Gleeson contributed to the Australian art scene as President of the Contemporary Art Society (NSW), as an art critic, and as a lecturer at Sydney Teacher’s College. His achievements were recognised with honorary doctorates from Macquarie University and the University of New South Wales.
James Gleeson’s artworks remain highly sought-after on the secondary art market. His record auction sale to date is $288,000 for a piece titled “Portrait of the Artist as an Evolving Landscape“. It sold at a Bonhams & Goodman auction in 2007. This highlights his importance in both Australian and international art markets.
Gleeson’s art is held in major public collections, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the National Gallery of Australia, and several other significant national institutions.
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