JOE ECCLES – A VISIONARY VOICE IN ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM

Born in 1987 and based in Bromsgrove, UK, Joe Eccles is a contemporary abstract artist whose practice bridges bold visual impact with profound emotional depth. For more than two decades, Eccles has cultivated a distinctive artistic language rooted in free-form expressionism, working primarily in mixed media, including acrylic, oil stick, spray paint, pen, and acrylic ink. Known for his large-scale, vivid compositions, he embraces unapologetic colour and unconventional imagery, creating immersive works that invite viewers into a boundless world of imagination and personal resonance.

While Eccles approaches art as an end in itself, his paintings often become metaphoric explorations of the human condition, layered with indirect narratives that reflect personal experiences, subconscious thoughts, and emotional states. Each mark, texture, and layer in his work represents a moment of decision and creative impulse, adding to the evolving story of the piece. Even when a layer is partially concealed, its presence enriches the artwork’s depth and tactile complexity.

Exhibiting widely, Eccles has shown his work in esteemed venues including the RBSA Gallery in Birmingham, the Nuneaton Museum & Art Gallery, and The Herbert in Coventry. His canvases transcend language, resonating on an intuitive level and inspiring deep introspection. In 2024, his creative reach expanded into the public sphere with a striking 3-metre-high mural for Birmingham Selfridges, further affirming his position as a dynamic force in contemporary abstraction. His art now enjoys international recognition, reflecting a practice that draws inspiration from life’s eclectic experiences and the limitless landscapes of the subconscious. 

Balancing his professional role in finance and investments with his artistic pursuits, Eccles credits his dual career path as mutually enriching. The analytical discipline of finance complements the impulsive, intuitive nature of his artmaking, while creative expression provides a necessary counterbalance to structured, corporate work. His dyslexia, which he views as a gift, fuels his unconventional thinking and imaginative problem-solving, giving his work a distinctive edge.

Eccles favours large-scale canvases for the physical engagement they demand, allowing him to immerse himself fully in the process. He thrives on fluidity, embracing shifts in mood and composition, and is unafraid to rework or paint over hours of labour to follow a new direction. This openness to change mirrors his broader artistic philosophy, one that values authenticity, imperfection, and emotional truth over surface-level beauty or predictability.

Influenced by artists such as Basquiat for his fearless approach, Turner and John Martin for their drama and atmosphere, and the abstract expressionists like Pollock and Kandinsky for their complexity and energy, Eccles situates his work within a lineage of creators who challenge norms and embrace emotional risk.

For Eccles, success is not measured solely in commercial terms but in the ability to create work that holds personal meaning, sparks dialogue and resonates with viewers. He is passionate about fostering community within the arts, recognizing that collaboration, connection, and shared inspiration are vital to sustaining a vibrant creative culture. At the same time, he acknowledges the challenges facing the local art scene, particularly the shortage of individuals willing to take on leadership roles in art societies, a gap he hopes to see bridged to ensure the continued vitality of the arts.

An advocate for the value of national funding for the arts, Eccles believes in art’s power to reflect humanity, challenge perspectives, and contribute to cultural progress. He encourages aspiring artists, especially those balancing careers or other commitments, to embrace their unique backgrounds and trust their instincts, reminding them that every life experience has the potential to enrich their creative practice.

Today, Joe Eccles welcomes the opportunity to undertake bespoke commissions, collaborating with collectors to bring their personal visions to life while remaining true to his signature style and expressive approach. His work stands as a testament to the beauty of complexity, the courage of self-expression, and the limitless possibilities of abstraction.