Jo Hummel's work is characterised by a painted and paper collaged surface on which she employs spontaneous variations of space, colour and form.
At first glance her work appears to be a physically-engaged, formal practice that is materially driven, however the context is purposefully anthropological. Many of Hummel’s works are informed by human habits and behaviour, with a particular interest in determinism and freewill.
Speaking about the making of the work, Hummel describes her chosen material (paper) as domestic and ephemeral. An everyday surface which is manipulated with urgency using household tools such as scissors and knives. Her paintings are built up in layers and with joinery, often revealing fissures and fault lines. Colour plays a critical role in the making of the work, valued both for its subjective sensory impact and psychologically transcending qualities.
The nature of collage is that each work is in constant flux. The artist must negotiate the canvas by rearranging, choosing and adjusting, often over long periods of time. Working within the dependable environment of ritualistic systems and repetition, Hummel explores the unpredictable nature of intuition and spontaneity.
Inspired by philosophical concepts such as qualia and valence, each piece serves as a passage into the realm of subjective experience. For Jo, the action of collage painting functions as a psychologically exploratory activity, wherein conscious intention and decision regarding the formal aspects of the work might beget artefacts upon which an intimate reading of unconscious influence may be made.
The resultant artworks invite the viewer to meditate on the intricate dance between deterministic forces and the liberating power of choice, whilst also prompting questions about the mysterious nature of human consciousness.
Jo works from her studio in Isle of Wight, UK
Jo Hummel b. 1982, Hampshire UK. Graduated Royal College of Art 2006. Since graduating Jo has exhibited extensively internationally. Solo and joint solo Exhibitions include: Looking Out, Barnard Gallery Cape Town (2023) Love Letter, Gruin Gallery, Los Angeles (2022) A True Story, Nordic Art Agency, Malmo, Rock, Paper, Scissors, Fold Gallery London, Automatic, Victor Lope Gallery Barcelona (2021), Small is beautiful, Flowers Gallery, London (2021/22) Studio: Response 01 , Saatchi Gallery, London (2021) Simulation Paintings, After Nyne Gallery London (2021), Transformer I & II, And Gallery Edinburgh, and Nordic Art Agency Malmo Sweden (2019) Deep End Echo, Sid Motion Gallery, London (2018) Jerwood Drawing Prize, Jerwood Space, London (2012) Collections include Christian Dior Collection Paris, and Kilburn collection, Cape Tow.
Jo is represented by galleries in Europe and South Africa and her works have been collected extensively in public and private collections worldwide.
Selected Press:
Observer, ‘Next Generation turns its back on Emin and Hirst’s conceptual artworks’ by Vanessa Thorpe, May (2011)
Times, ‘Picking up a Picasso is one click away’ By Mark Bridge, August (2012)
Mail online, Femail, Want to make a healthy return as an aspiring art investor? by Andrew Bullock, December (2018)
