Key takeaways
- Gary Hume is a prominent British contemporary artist known for his membership in the Young British Artists (YBA) movement.
- His work combines aspects of minimalism, pop art, and formal aesthetic experimentation.
- Hume's art is characterized by the use of household gloss paint, broad planes of color, and abstract representations of familiar objects.
- His approach to art-making involves focused experimentation and development, often working in distinct series.
- Hume's work has garnered international recognition, with representation at prestigious events like the Venice Biennale and Bienal de São Paulo.
Gary Hume
Gary Hume, born on May 9, 1962, in Tenterden, Kent, is a distinguished British painter and sculptor, celebrated for his bold use of color and stylized depictions of everyday objects. A graduate of Goldsmiths College in 1988, Hume emerged as a leading figure in the Young British Artists (YBA) movement. His early recognition came from his participation in groundbreaking exhibitions such as "Freeze" (1988), organized by Damien Hirst, and "East Country Yard" (1990), curated by Henry Bond and Sarah Lucas.
Hume's signature style revolves around transforming ordinary subjects like doors, animals, and plants into striking minimalist compositions. His early series, "Door Paintings", used high-gloss industrial paints on aluminum panels to reduce functional objects into abstract, reflective surfaces, blending pop art influences with contemporary minimalism. This technique has become a hallmark of his work, creating a unique balance between familiarity and abstraction that encourages viewers to see everyday life from a fresh perspective.
Hume's contributions to the art world extend far beyond the YBA movement. In the 1990s, he represented Britain at the Venice Biennale and exhibited in Brilliant!, a show that introduced YBA art to American audiences. His works have been showcased in leading institutions worldwide, including the Tate, Whitechapel Gallery, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Throughout his career, Hume has received numerous accolades, including a Turner Prize nomination in 1996 and election to the Royal Academy of Arts (RA). In 2012, he was honored as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his contributions to art.
Hume continues to innovate with his art, exploring new mediums and themes while maintaining his characteristic style. His ability to elevate mundane subjects with vibrant colors, glossy surfaces, and minimalist forms has cemented his place as one of Britain's most influential contemporary artists.
Gary Hume's iconic Door Paintings series
Gary Hume's pivotal "Door Paintings" series, created in the late 1980s and early 1990s, became a defining moment in his career. Inspired by the double swing doors at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London, these large-scale works were based on precise measurements of the doors and featured geometric patterns, porthole windows, and kickplates.
Crafted using glossy household enamel paint on aluminum and MDF, the paintings blurred the lines between art and object, as well as abstraction and representation. Their to-scale design mirrored human proportions, creating a physical connection with viewers, while the use of fleshy tones and facial-like details lent the doors an anthropomorphic quality. Highlighting themes of equality and accessibility, Hume’s vibrant, minimalist approach turned ordinary objects into extraordinary modern art, solidifying his reputation as a groundbreaking artist.
Gary Hume’s style revolves around the use of household gloss paint, creating rich color fields with a glossy shine that invites viewers into his abstract works for an immersive experience. The choice of industrial materials adds a layer of meaning, subtly addressing themes of conformity and accessibility while also reflecting Hume’s abstract concepts.
By incorporating industrial materials, Hume challenges the boundaries of fine art, blending the ordinary with the extraordinary. This innovative approach, coupled with his technical skill, has solidified his place in the art world.
Evolution of form and abstraction
Gary Hume has long been driven by a desire to explore new forms and subjects in his art. He began with his iconic door paintings and later ventured into nature motifs and geometric shapes, showcasing both his versatility and ongoing interest in abstract representation.
Hume's door paintings, known for their vibrant colors and minimalist style, quickly gained widespread acclaim, cementing his status as a prominent figure in the Young British Artists movement. But he didn’t stop there—he broadened his focus to include the natural world, incorporating elements like plants and animals with the same level of depth and abstraction.
Today, Hume’s work often blends simplified natural forms with geometric shapes, skillfully merging the organic with the abstract. This evolution reflects his continued exploration of the interplay between representation and abstraction.
Throughout his artistic journey, Hume has demonstrated remarkable adaptability, consistently evolving his work and maintaining a fresh perspective. His ability to reinvent himself has earned him both critical acclaim and a devoted following, proving that creativity is ever-evolving and full of surprises.
In the 1990s, Hume moved beyond the architectural motifs that initially defined his career and began exploring a wider range of abstracted figurative works. Drawing from found images, he portrayed people, plants, and animals as glossy silhouettes on monochrome or bold contrasting backgrounds. These Pop-inspired pieces often featured celebrity figures like Michael Jackson, Kate Moss, and fellow artists. This approach culminated in his 1998 print series "Portraits."
In the 1999 "Water Paintings" series, Hume introduced female silhouettes outlined against monochromatic backgrounds with fluid, rippling lines. Featuring his wife Georgie Hopton and friend Zoe Manzi, these works emphasized the shimmering quality of his enamel surfaces. This silhouette technique reappeared in later works, including the 2016 screen print "Blue Nun."
Hume’s 2007 series "American Tan" shifted focus to American culture and politics, abstractly depicting cheerleaders as symbols of American identity. Dividing his time between London and rural New York since the early 2000s, Hume used this series to critically examine the influence of American imagery and values on global culture.
Sculptural simplicity and symbolism
In addition to his paintings on aluminum and paper, Hume has developed a diverse sculptural practice. His exploration began with the "Snowman" sculptures, first introduced in 1997 and still evolving. These works feature a simple concept: two bronze spheres, often with a glossy finish, forming the familiar shape of a snowman. Versions of this sculpture can be found in both indoor and outdoor settings, including "Snowman, Two Balls Twinkle White" (2014) at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Another recurring sculptural motif in Hume's work is his "Wonky Wheels," which he first created in 2013. These imperfect, thin metal wheels painted in bright colors symbolize the flawed nature of life and the instability of personal and historical narratives.
Major exhibitions and international recognition
Gary Hume has gained widespread recognition through numerous prestigious exhibitions, establishing himself as a leading figure in British contemporary art. His work has been featured at renowned venues such as Tate Britain and the Venice Biennale.
Hume's door paintings are notable for their vibrant colors and fresh perspectives on everyday objects, showcasing his ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. These exhibitions have highlighted his talent and challenged traditional views of art.
Beyond these successes, Hume has participated in several international exhibitions, broadening his artistic network and deepening his influence. This global exposure has enriched his own work and contributed to shaping contemporary British art.
Hume represented Great Britain at the 1999 Venice Biennale with his "Water" series, a set of superimposed line drawings of women in gloss paint on aluminum. He had a solo exhibition at Whitechapel Gallery in London in 1999, and his works were later featured in monographic shows at Kestnergesellschaft in Hannover, Kunsthaus Bregenz in Austria, and Modern Art Oxford's 2008 survey of his "Door" paintings.
In 1996, Hume was nominated for the Turner Prize but lost to Douglas Gordon. He was later awarded the 1997 Jerwood Painting Prize and became a Royal Academician in 2001.
Hume's solo exhibitions include "Gary Hume — Destroyed School Paintings" at Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens in Belgium (2020), "Gary Hume RA: Prints Pictures" at the Royal Academy of Arts in London (2017), "Front of Snowman" at the Aspen Art Museum in Colorado (2016), and major retrospectives at Tate Britain (2013) and Whitechapel Art Gallery (1999).
His group exhibitions include "English Sculptors in New England" at the Hall Art Foundation (2018), "Occasional Geometries" at Yorkshire Sculpture Park (2017), "British British Polish Polish" at Ujazdowski Castle Centre for Contemporary Art in Poland (2013), and "Sensation" at The Royal Academy of Arts (1997).
FAQ
Who is Gary Hume?
Gary Hume is a well-known British artist. He's part of the Young British Artists (YBA) movement. His work mixes minimalism, pop art, and formal experimentation.
What is Gary Hume's artistic style?
Hume uses household gloss paint and big color planes. He also makes abstract versions of common objects. His art-making process focuses on experimenting and developing new ideas.
How did Hume's early education shape his artistic vision?
Hume studied at Goldsmiths University in London in the 1990s. This time was key in shaping his vision and skills. His early work at Goldsmiths helped lay the groundwork for his success.
What was Hume's involvement with the Young British Artists movement?
Hume became famous as part of the Young British Artists (YBA) movement in the 1990s. Unlike some, he focused more on his art than partying. Art dealers like Charles Saatchi supported his work.
What is Hume's "Door series"?
Hume's "Door series" was inspired by hospital doors in London. These paintings show geometric patterns and shapes. They explore themes of design and equality.
What materials and techniques does Hume use in his artworks?
Hume uses household gloss paint for its color and shine. This lets viewers see themselves in his paintings. His choice of materials also reflects themes of conformity and accessibility.
What are the key subjects and themes in Hume's art?
Hume's art often features everyday objects in a stylized way. He uses bold colors and simple shapes. His subjects range from doors to animals, balancing recognition with abstraction.
What are some of Hume's notable portrait series?
Hume has made enigmatic portraits of famous people like Kate Moss and Angela Merkel. These works, like Andy Warhol's, capture the true essence of their subjects.
How has Hume's work evolved over his career?
Hume has explored many forms in his art, from doors to animals. His use of geometric shapes and natural forms shows his versatility. He continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art.
What is the significance of Hume's artistic influence?
Hume's influence on British art is significant. His use of minimalism and industrial materials has inspired many. His work challenges and expands the art scene, contributing to its evolution.
Selena Mattei
