If you have been to the new Wembley Stadium, the Emirates or even Heathrow’s Terminal 5, you will have seen this man’s work.
James Burke, 28, is the co-founder and creative director of Acrylicize, the firm he runs with friend Paul Arad. Established in 2003, it transfers images and designs onto perspex canvases.
Having already designed hundreds of pieces for a selection of well-known names — clients include British Airways, Marvel Comics, BBC and Hennessy; George Michael and Prince Charles also own pieces — the firm is now helping the NHS create artwork for the new Braintree Community Hospital in Essex.
He tells People: “Acrylicize is about how art affects us and the space around us. The plan is to expand as creatively as possible.”
He is certainly committed to the cause. A devoted drummer, he is keen to combine his love for art and music, and does so under his “Shesh” trademark. Described by Mr Burke as a way of life, Shesh fuses fine art, fashion, graffiti and music. He plays in two bands and has a music video coming out. “They don’t have to be mutually exclusive. It’s about an art experience.” He will be exhibiting and performing at The Foundry, Old Street, on August 6.
Acrylicize was developed while Mr Burke and Mr Arad were at University in Manchester. Mr Burke had been experimenting with acrylic designs as part of his art degree.
