James Payne
Curator, Gallerist, and Art Historian
Great Art Explained
James Payne is a curator, gallerist, and art historian best known as the creator of the YouTube channel Great Art Explained.
With a focus on making art history accessible to a broad audience (1.73 million subscribers), his videos provide in-depth, engaging explorations of significant artworks, movements, and artists, from Caravaggio to Basquiat. Each episode focuses on one piece of art and breaks it down using clear and concise language.
This aims to make art more accessible without being patronising, and without shying away from complex ideas and processes. In this, Payne seeks to demystify 'art-speak', which often discourages people and is (he believes) sometimes deliberately obtuse.
Great Art Explained contextualises the works to deepen appreciation. In some episodes, the artwork acts as a starting point for broader themes, while at other times it is simply an exploration of techniques and meaning.
The channel launched in 2020 and has gained a large international following. It is widely respected for its clarity, research, and production quality.
Payne later started Great Books Explained, which seeks to demystify the language of Book analysis and promote literature in collaboration with academics, journalists, musicians and priests (among others).
His first book, Great Art Explained: The Stories Behind the World's Greatest Masterpieces, will be released in 2025 and has been described by Stephen Fry as “an instant classic”.
“Alongside his work online, Payne has a background in curating and gallery management, and brings a deep knowledge of both historical and contemporary art to everything he does,” says one person who nominated Payne.
“Through Great Art Explained, he has helped to demystify art for millions of viewers, encouraging new audiences to engage with museums and galleries. His work exemplifies how digital storytelling can support wider cultural participation and education.”
Payne has worked in the art world for three decades. He co-owns the PayneShurvell Gallery in London with Joanne Shurvell, writes for Artlyst, and is a former tour guide with Trafalgar Travel.
