James Springall (b. 1977) is a British artist working with found paper imagery, which he recontextualises to create new meanings. His analogue compositions often employ satire as a vehicle for social commentary and an exploration of the human condition.
He has exhibited internationally at venues including the Royal Academy of Arts, Saatchi Gallery, Jealous Gallery and The Bomb Factory (London); Towner Gallery (Eastbourne); Art Car Boot Fair (Margate); Feinkunst Krüger (Hamburg); and LESS (Viborg). His work has been published in The Age of Collage 3 (Gestalten) and featured by AnOther (In the End All Things Will Be Known, The Ancient Art of Beauty), Huck (Wish You Weren’t Here), Collé and Elephant.
He has undertaken commissions for brands including Rough Trade, Noble Rot and VICE, and held residencies in Sweden (Ideas Island, Vifärnaholme Island) and Greece (House of Shila, Athens). He has also curated contemporary collage exhibitions for Jealous Gallery and the Viborg Museum. He lives and works near Rye.
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“James Springall uses collage to make perfect pop art.” — Gestalten
“Weird and wonderful paper pastiches... a dose of optimism that even the most cynically minded would struggle to remain impervious to. With just the right balance of playful, lighthearted spirit and mystique... the images radiate irreverence.” — AnOther Magazine
“Collages known for their punchy, provocative aesthetic.” — Huck Magazine
“An early pre-punk punk, in response to an onlooker spewing the remark, “nice costume” said “at least I know I’m wearing a costume.” This notion cuts to the heart of most people’s spurious belief about originality and ownership. And we find it perfectly relevant to James Springall’s elegant use of appropriated images - also proving Springall knows exactly what art always actually is.” — Cargo
“Small, seductive works that nod toward Dada and Surrealism. Springall’s a minimalist, often creating compositions comprised entirely of just two pieces of aged paper... these simple gestures take on complex meanings, a social commentary speaking to pop-culture and personal identity.” — Collé
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© James Springall 2026