An Important Co-Existence

This body of work is rooted in James's time at Torre Abbey, where he explored the building, its grounds, and the surrounding landscape during a month-long residency. The smaller open-air studies provided valuable insights that informed his larger works, blending real and imagined elements.

On a larger scale, James envisioned nature dramatically overtaking the abbey, engulfing its structure, and emphasising themes of transformation and resilience. The site supports a unique ecosystem, and James sought to highlight the importance of preserving the architecture while celebrating the natural environment. Without intervention, nature could reclaim the space entirely, blurring the boundaries between the man-made and natural worlds.