– Exhibition: ‘Mirrors and Other Creatures’ by Gary Hume at Sprüth Magers, London, until 19 October 2024. – Hume’s work transitions from trauma to tranquility, avoiding rigid narratives. – Emphasises a tender, calm engagement with art, likening it to observing nature. – Features organic motifs, notably swans stemming from a dream. – Also showcasing at Lindsey Ingram and Hazlitt Holland, and collaborating with Burberry for S/S 2025.
Gary Hume’s exhibition, ‘Mirrors and Other Creatures’, is currently showcased at Sprüth Magers in London until 19 October 2024. Hume’s artistic philosophy revolves around a desire to transcend rigid meanings, allowing emotionally charged imagery to evolve into peaceful and contemplative artworks. His past pieces, such as the poignant ‘Mum’ series depicting his mother’s buttons, and ‘Destroyed School’ referencing war-torn spaces, reflect this journey from trauma to tranquility. In our conversation, Hume expresses his intention for viewers to engage tenderly with his work: “I do want them to be tender. Looking is generally a calm activity. You don’t have to flee in front of a painting.” He aims for his creations to shimmer with a sense of stillness, moving away from explicit narratives toward a meditative viewing experience. The exhibition’s title metaphorically aligns with the introspective feelings evoked when gazing into a mirror, paralleling the observation of nature and art. Hume’s paintings, rich in organic and animal motifs, invoke existential reflections but defy singular meanings. Notably, the recurring appearance of swans, stemming from an inspiring dream, demonstrates Hume’s willingness to embrace the spontaneous flow of creativity. During this busy autumn, Hume is also set to showcase prints at Lindsey Ingram and earlier works at Hazlitt Holland, alongside collaborating with Burberry for their S/S 2025 show. His fascination with painting and materials remains unwavering as he continuously seeks to challenge himself through the art-making process.
Gary Hume is an influential figure in contemporary art, known for blending abstraction with emotional depth. His work often originates from personal experiences or poignant memories. Throughout his career, he has explored themes of memory, trauma, and the human condition, translating them into visuals that evoke contemplation and emotional resonance without being confined to a specific narrative. The current exhibition showcases Hume’s ongoing evolution as an artist, focusing on intimate and universal experiences interwoven within nature and personal reflection.
Gary Hume’s exhibition invites viewers to explore their emotional resonance with art through a tender and meditative lens. By blending personal history with organic imagery, he creates a dialogue about existence and the human experience, all while embracing spontaneity in the creative process. Hume continues to push boundaries in art while engaging with fundamental themes of identity and perception.
Original Source: www.wallpaper.com