Contextual Research: Garry Hume

Garry Hume

Hume is an English artist, born in Kent.  I think some of his most interesting pieces are those such as his 'Door' paintings or his series entitled 'Water' (which looks at the female form).

(example from 'Water')

I love the path Hume has taken in these two collections - he has turned humanity and recognisable man-made objects into abstract forms, by breaking them down into shapes of solid colour.  His use of high-gloss paint on smooth surfaces in such a simple way, is to my mind, both inspiring and captivating.

Hume's Hospital 'Door' paintings.

I think that these paintings show little evidence at any attempt towards describing to the audience the form of an actual/realistic door.  Instead, Hume is taking something that has made an impression on him as a child (these large hospital doors), and creates a representation of that.

Which, for me, begs the question - when is a door, not a door?



In his use of high-gloss paint, because of their reflective surfaces, Hume's idea was not to include light and shadows as part of the image, but instead to allow them to form themselves.  Therefore the paintings are constantly changing, and the audience can become part of the pieces. 

I think that in this sense they are like organic beings, living and breathing and changing with the seasons.