About Me

About James Hillier (Nordacious)

Hey, I’m James - the artist behind Nordacious.

I’m a Brisbane-based visual artist creating pop-art-inspired illustrations that fuse retro aesthetics with bold colour, political edge, and a distinctly queer lens. My work blends digital ink and brush techniques with nostalgia, satire, and a bit of cheek – always aiming to reflect the weird, joyful, and often maddening world we live in.

Over the years, I’ve explored themes ranging from celebrity and protest culture to social justice and media spectacle – often with a wink to Australiana along the way.

Outside the art studio, I’m a dog person with a soft spot for retro interiors, mid-century modern design, a good cheese and wine pairing, and emotionally crushing piano chords. I play music when I can, but visual art has always been the loudest language I speak. I care deeply about queer storytelling, political accountability, and making work that might make someone feel seen – or at least make them giggle before they rage-scroll the news.

Professionally, I try to balance passion and sincerity with irreverence and humour. Thank you for taking the time to explore my corner of the internet - I'm genuinely thrilled you're here.


Exhibitions & Features

James (ok, we're switching it up to third-person now) has held three solo exhibitions under the title VIDEO DRAMA, each celebrating the cult Australian film Muriel’s Wedding:

  • Brisbane (2016)

  • Sydney (2017)

  • Melbourne (2018)

His work has also featured in major national exhibitions, including the Behind The Lines political cartoon showcase at the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) in Canberra from 2021 to 2025. In 2024, MoAD invited Nordacious back for a major feature at the Enlighten Festival, where his illustrations lit up Old Parliament House, honouring the unsung heroes of Australia's democratic history.

Internationally, his art has been:

  • Featured on Britney Spears' official Instagram

  • Displayed at COP26 in Glasgow and Times Square, NYC

  • Selected as the official CD cover artwork for the Joel Corry remix of “Hold Me Closer”, the 2022 duet by Elton John and Britney Spears

Clients & Collaborations

  • Disney+ Australia

  • LIONSGATE

  • Darren Hayes (Savage Garden)

  • Peppermint Magazine

  • Dan Ilic (A Rational Fear)

  • The Brisbane Times (editorial contributor since 2023)

Recognition

In 2025, James was honoured with Artist of the Year at the Queen’s Ball Awards, Australia’s longest-running LGBTQIA+ event. The award recognised his contribution to queer visibility and political storytelling through art that pushes back, holds power to account, and celebrates community with colour and heart.


Studio + Store

James co-runs a physical store in Gaythorne, Brisbane, with his partner Aaron Darcy (aka A Boy Named Aaron). The space features original artwork, merch, gifts, books, and other colourful trinkets.

📍 Visit: 6/394 Samford Road, Gaythorne, QLD 4051
🕗 Open: Wednesday–Sunday, 8am–1pm

Patreon

In 2025, James launched his official Patreon to connect more directly with his audience and offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access to his creative world. 

Patreon members receive monthly art drops, giveaways, digital downloads, process insights, live group hangouts, and more. It's a space built on real connection - a home for art lovers, politics nerds, and pop culture tragics alike.

🎨 Support James and join the community:
👉 www.patreon.com/nordacious 

Nordacious (James Hillier)