Jo Hummel's work is distinguished by a painted and paper surface, upon which she employs spontaneous variations of space, colour, and form. Reductionism underpins her work, particularly evident in symbols, symmetry, and repetition.
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. Colour assumes a pivotal role, valued both for its subjective sensory impact and its psychologically transcending qualities.
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 subjective experience.
Recently, Hummel has ventured into exploring locally sourced natural dyes and pigments, driven by a desire to address ecological concerns while delving into her interest in panpsychism, the belief that consciousness is not just restricted to the mind but a fundamental and ubiquitous feature of the universe.
Based in her Studio on the Isle of Wight, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, Jo Hummel continues to push the boundaries of her practice, offering viewers a window through which to contemplate the enigmatic nature of consciousness.
Jo Hummel b. 1982, UK. Graduated Royal College of Art 2006. Since graduating Jo has exhibited extensively internationally. Solo and joint: Somewhere here, But far away, 45 Parklane London, Template, Fold Gallery London, Looking Out, Barnard Gallery Cape Town (2023) Love Letter, Gruin Gallery, LA (2022) A True Story, Nordic Art Agency, Malmo, Rock, Paper, Scissors, Fold Gallery London, Automatic, Victor Lope Gallery Barcelona (2021) Group: Interface, Curated by Annuschka Leung Le grand Palais, Lille, Small is Beautiful, Flowers Gallery, London (2021/22/23) 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) 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.
Press:
Observer, ‘Next Generation turns its back on Emin and Hirst’s conceptual artworks’ Vanessa Thorpe, (2011)
Times, ‘Picking up a Picasso is one click away’ Mark Bridge, 2012
Mail online, Femail, Want to make a healthy return as an aspiring art investor? Andrew Bullock, (2018)
