'Two Men and a Manhole' by John James (1983)

'Two Men and a Manhole', oil on canvas, by John James (1983). Workers climb down through manholes when they want to examine or clean the city's drains. Like the movement referred to as Futurism, this artwork's subject may be a metaphor for examining or 'cleaning up' past traditions in art. Futurism as an art movement celebrated machines, modernity and speed. Its goals were to break with the past and to create a new art that embraced technology, mechanisation, power and energy. It shared some elements with cubism including faceted shapes. In this case there seems to be a connection with that movement and it is also somewhat reminiscent of the work of Italian artist, Fortunato Depero (1892–1960). On this platform, this gallery has listed two works by this artist, John James. They would make a stunning pair in a home or workplace. They are both similarly framed in new trays. This work is in fair condition with some minor blemishing around the edges of the painting. Please enjoy the accompanying photos. Both works are signed by the artist in the lower right hand and dated 1983. Upon request a video may be provided. Please take note of the size of the artworks. 

About the Artist: John James, born 1947, Crayford 1963, Kent, Gravesend School of Art 1964-1968 Fine Art, Ravensbourne College of Art with tutors: Adrian Berg, Brian Fielding, and Alan Green Selected One Man Shows: 2011 Piers Feetham Gallery, London. Cars, Cuba and Beyond 2005 Sladmore Contemporary, London W 1. Recent Paintings 2004 State Museum of Urban Sculpture, St Petersburg. From Thames to Neva 2002 Piers Feetham Gallery, London. Seascapes, Northumberland 2001 Bartley Drey Gallery, London. Paintings, London and New York 1999 Earl McGrath Gallery, New York. Façades 1997 Gallery 47, London WC1. Paintings from Rajasthan 1991 Stephen Bartley Gallery, Chelsea 1989 Stephen Bartley Gallery, Chelsea 1985 Earl McGrath Gallery, Los Angeles 1984 Maclean Gallery, London W1 1982 3D Gallery, Wapping, London Selected Group Shows: 2011 Bankside Gallery, London Lives 2010 Bankside Gallery, London Lives 2007 Piers Feetham Gallery, London 2005 Marvel Art Gallery, 27 Cork St, London. An Eye for the City 2005 The Geffrye Museum, London E2. Images in the City 2003 The British Embassy, Moscow 2002 Piers Feetham Gallery, London. Thames 2002 The Cork Street Gallery, London W1. From Russia with Youri Bondarenko 1989 Greenboro Gallery, Charlotte, South Carolina, USA 1988 Maclean Gallery, London W1 1988 Christies Contemporary Art, Bath 1987 Brunel University Gallery 1987 Maclean Gallery, London W1 1983 3D Gallery, Wapping, London 1977 Paris Bienniale, representing Great Britain

Dimensions with frame:

W 32.5 cm / 12.8"

H 28 cm / 11"

Dimensions without frame:

H 16 cm / 6.3"

W 20.5 cm / 8.1"