By Zaid, Gallery Director at Creed Gallery | @theartadvisors
I remember the first time I saw a James McQueen piece. It stopped me - not because it was loud, or trying too hard, but because it said something that felt necessary. Bold, uncomfortable, honest. I've had the honour of launching several artists who've gone on to do great things - but with McQueen, I knew from the outset this wasn't going to be a conventional journey. His anonymity is part of the intrigue, but it's not a gimmick. James McQueen doesn't need to show his face - his work speaks for him. And for many others too.
McQueen's art doesn't decorate, it communicates. The visual language is clear: layered textures, minimalistic colour, and striking text - sometimes urgent, sometimes tender. His work speaks to the mental noise of our time: branding, politics, trauma, social media, capitalism. And yet there's still beauty in it. A sense of clarity.
I see echoes of Barbara Kruger's iconography and early Banksy's subversion, but James McQueen has shaped a voice that's distinctly his own. There are also parallels with Harland Miller, particularly in the use of language as image - yet where Miller leans into irony and literary nostalgia, McQueen's tone is sharper, more immediate. His work feels rooted in the urgency of now, carrying that tradition forward with a new edge.
Over the past 18 months, we've watched James McQueen's collector base grow significantly. Early pieces, once modestly priced, are now being resold at a premium. Editions disappear within days, and there's increasing international attention.
Although McQueen hasn't yet hit the auction houses like Christie's or Phillips, I believe it's a matter of time - and those who get in early will be very glad they did. For comparison, I've watched Banksy's unsigned prints go from £2,000 to £30,000+, and Tracey Emin's early neon works move from £5,000 to £50,000-£60,000 within a few years. McQueen's work aligns with those trajectories: visually accessible, emotionally resonant and socially relevant.
Why Now Matters
Collectors often ask me, "When's the right time to buy?" My answer is always the same: before everyone else does. Right now, McQueen is producing some of his best work - and it's still accessible. But the window is narrowing.
We've seen first-hand how quickly demand builds once word spreads - not through hype, but through genuine impact. His work resonates with young collectors, seasoned investors and even first-time buyers who just "get it." That's the hallmark of longevity.
Every piece we present at Creed Gallery is carefully selected with full provenance and documentation. Our team works with leading conservation framers - the same trusted hands that have handled Banksy, Warhol and more.
Final Word
James McQueen doesn't just make art - he makes statements. As a gallerist, I've seen many artists rise. Some fade. A few endure. McQueen will endure, because what he's saying matters - and because people are listening.
If you're thinking about starting your collection, or adding something meaningful to it, I'd strongly suggest you look at McQueen now. His work isn't just collectable - it's necessary.
To view available works or arrange a private consultation, reach out to me directly at art@creedgallery.com.
