James Newitt was born in Hobart, Tasmania in 1981. He graduated with a PhD in Fine Arts from the University of Tasmania in 2007.
Newitt's work involves media such as video projection, sound and text installation as well as public projects. His work poetically explores concepts surrounding individual and collective identity, sense of place, memory and history, as well as public and private space.
James’ exhibition history includes: The Gallery of Fine Arts, Split, Croatia, 2010; Primavera, Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney, 2010; In The Balance: Art for a Changing World, Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney, 2010; What I Think About When I Think About Dancing, Campbelltown Art Centre, Sydney, 2009; Stories of Celebration and Dissent, Rosalux: Berlin based art office, Berlin, 2009; The Moorilla Scholarship exhibition, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart, 2009; Handle With Care, 2008 Biennial of Australian Art; Monash University Faculty Gallery, Melbourne, 2008; Ten Days on the Island, Hobart, 2007; Sherman Galleries, Sydney 2007; Next Wave Festival, Melbourne, 2006; and INFLIGHT art, Hobart, 2005.
James has received state and national funding grants for individual and collaborative projects. In 2008 he undertook a 3-month studio residency at the Australia Council for the Arts, Los Angeles studio. In 2010 he won the City of Hobart Art Prize and in 2006 the Tasmanian Artist Prize for the City of Devonport Art Prize, in 2009 he was awarded the Qantas Foundation, Encouragement of Contemporary Art Award. James is Head of Visual Communication at the Tasmanian School of Art, and was a founding member and past director of INFLIGHT art.