“art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time." - Thomas Merton
About Raph James & The Gallery
Raph James is a compelling and evocative artist known for her visually striking linear abstract works. With a precise hand and an eye for colour, she challenges the conventions of abstraction—blending vibrant palettes with clean, deliberate lines to create bold, contemplative compositions. A trans woman based in Naarm (Melbourne), James draws on her New Zealand Polynesian heritage to infuse her work with cultural depth and emotional resonance, exploring themes of identity, connection, and transformation.
Founded by Raph herself, the Raph James Gallery & Creative Hub is a vibrant space designed to nurture creative exploration and community. More than just a gallery, it’s a playground for the imagination—host to exhibitions, pop-up experiences, product launches, and intimate workshops. Whether you’re an artist, innovator, or visionary thinker, this adaptable space invites you to share ideas, spark collaboration, and bring bold visions to life.
At its heart, the gallery reflects James' artistic ethos—stripped-back yet powerful, minimalist yet deeply expressive. It invites guests to slow down, look closer, and feel more deeply. Through art and shared experiences, the Raph James Gallery & Creative Hub stands as a testament to creativity’s power to transcend boundaries, ignite the senses, and build lasting connections.