Jo Hummel’s work is deeply rooted in reductionism, evident through symbols and geometry.
This exploration of minimalism mirrors ancient spiritual concepts such as Sunya, the Sanskrit term for void and infinity, which speaks to the balance between emptiness and possibility. Also evident is her interest in the principles of sacred geometry, natural cycles and human rituals.
Colour assumes a pivotal role in Hummel’s work, valued both for its subjective sensory impact and its psychologically transcending qualities.
Speaking about the making of the work, Hummel describes her chosen material (paper) as domestic and ephemeral, an everyday surface manipulated with urgency using household tools such as scissors and knives.
Created using primitive building methods such as weaving, marquetry, joinery, and layering, the sculptural paintings are formed through a careful balance of shape, colour, form, and material, generating a fragmented spectrum of the human condition.
The nature of collage is that each work is in constant flux. Working within the dependable environment of ritualistic systems and repetition, Hummel explores the unpredictable nature of spontaneity, each piece serving as a passage into the realm of a subconscious exploratory activity. In doing so each painting contains something profoundly personal from the artist, knowingly intertwined with formal abstraction.
Solo and joint exhibitions
2025
Solo exhibition, Victor Lope Gallery, Barcelona
2023
Somewhere here, But far away, 45 Park Lane, London
Template, Fold Gallery, London
Looking Out, Barnard Gallery, Cape Town
2022
Love Letter, Gruin Gallery, LA
A True Story, Nordic Art Agency, Malmo
2021
Rock, Paper, Scissors, Fold Gallery, London
Automatic, Victor Lope Gallery, Barcelona
2019
Transformer I & II, And Gallery Edinburgh, and Nordic Art Agency Malmo Sweden
Group exhibitions
2024
Small is Beautiful, Flowers Gallery, London
2023
Interface, Curated by Annuschka Leung, Le Grand Palais, Lille
Small is Beautiful, Flowers Gallery, London
2022
Small is Beautiful, Flowers Gallery, London
2021
Studio: Response 01 Saatchi Gallery, London
Simulation Paintings, After Nyne Gallery London
Small is Beautiful, Flowers Gallery, London
2018
Deep End Echo, Sid Motion Gallery, London
2012
Jerwood Drawing Prize, Jerwood Space, London
Notable selected exhibitions include RA Summer Exhibition, Jerwood Drawing Prize, Afternoon Tea curated by WW Gallery, 53rd Venice Biennale, Venice.
Collections include: Christian Dior Collection Paris, Kilburn Collection Cape Town.
Jo’s work has been featured in The FT Weekend, Times, Observer and Daily Mail, Mail online, Elle Decoration and Contemporary Collage Magazine.
