Walk around some of the back streets of Douglas, and you will see some larger-than-life, slightly abstract, but completely unmissable murals staring back at you.

There may well be a bird or two featured somewhere as well.

These are the work of the painter James Duggan, who is gearing up to unveil his latest exhibition, called ’False Idols’, at the Isle Gallery, Tynwald Mills.

James’ style of creating realistic portraits, often rendered in gigantic proportions and painted onto unconventional backdrops and canvases has made him one of the most readily recognisable artists working in the Isle of Man today.

His last exhibition, also at the Isle Gallery, featured a series of huge, stunning portraits, painted onto garage doors, slabs of corrugated steel and even a trampoline. The eyes didn’t so much follow you around the room as wither you under their gaze.

So it is safe to say that an exhibition by James is unlike any other you will see on the Isle of Man.

’It has kind of become my thing now to kick against the idea of painting to sell,’ said James.

’I can paint just as well as anyone out there, and if I wanted to I could start making a lot of money. But there is just something inside of me that self-sabotages.’

One of the pieces James has created is a life size painting of a horse, which has been painted across a square grid of 36 separate boxes.

’The boxes are 18 inches by 12 inches, and they will have a life size painting of a horse on them.

’I just love the idea that when you walk into the gallery there is going to be a wall of boxes, and people will have to walk around it to see the horse.

’But it is completely impractical. No one is going to buy this piece.’

Birds feature heavily in his work, and have become something of a recurring motif.

This exhibition will also feature more of James’ lesser known abstract work, including some incredibly deep, scathing self-portraits.

Things like the birds have become a symbol, and hopefully will appeal to a broad spectrum of people,’ he said.

’I have this constant battle of wanting to paint abstract, grotesque stuff, but actually birds, hearts and giant horses will attract more people.

’Nobody will want to come and see my abstract paintings.’

James is also preparing to begin work on his latest piece of street art, which will adorn the top of a building on Muckles Gate, facing the bus station.

The exhibition is open for public viewing from 2pm today (Sunday).