Artists & Artisans
Hughes, Patrick
Early Career
Though he credits many of the early absurdists and Surrealists as his primary sources of inspiration, Hughes has never formally attached himself to any movement, keeping himself and his oeuvre separate from groups that emerged in England in the mid-20th century. However, according to George Melly, who wrote the introduction to the catalog of Hughes’ first solo exhibition, he was among the “young British artists who seem to be directly or indirectly moved by the surrealist spirit.” That exhibition, which was held at the Portal Gallery in London in 1961, was organized soon after Hughes completed his studies at Leeds, propelling him into the public realm at a relatively young age.
Not only was Hughes very well-versed in the history of the Dadaists and Surrealists, including Rene Magritte, Paul Klee, Marcel Duchamp and Francis Picabia, he also was a student of the science of perspective, psychology, physics and neuroscience. In this way, he paid homage to the great masters of Renaissance art — Donatello, Ghiberti, Holbein the Younger and Palladio — who were the pioneers of linear perspective and geometric construction. Hughes' work often walks an intriguing line between Pop Art and Surrealism. Within his works, he secreted both implicit and explicit references to these early art historical greats, including classical architecture, pyramids and historical instruments. This exceptional combination of classical and surrealist perspectives make his oeuvre something both dynamic and entirely unique.
Rising Fame
Following his initial years of success, Hughes created his first reverse perspective (which he dubbed “reverspective") painting in 1964, effectively changing the course of his career. These 3-D reverspective paintings were specially designed to trick the eye. Constructed of wooden panels forming three-dimensional pyramids, the resulting illusion of space within the pictorial frame changes seamlessly as the viewer interacts with it, bringing the feeling that one is moving around the room. As Hughes once stated in an interview with Murray McDonald, “I do not make the illusions, I make the coherent structures that are neat and complete; it is the see-er who creates the illusion. You are the person who makes it, with your mind and your legs."
Lasting Genius
Today, Patrick Hughes continues to explore the world through his unique perspective, most recently in a series of works that explores the centuries-old architecture and canals of Venice. The artist also works in the second dimensional with a series of prints featuring rainbows, a motif he has explored since his early years as a painter. These M.C. Escher-esque creations reveal the versatility and creativity of the artist, whose over 60-year-long career has pushed boundaries and challenged the way that we view the world.
As he once said: “Reverspectives give you air to breathe and a dance of life to pursue. I like to think my work is universally appealing.” An absolute original, today his works can be found in the Denver Art Museum, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, British Academy, British Library, Leeds Arts University, Tate Gallery, and many other private and public collections.
Patrick Hughes’ work is highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts alike. His unique style and optical illusions have garnered him a significant following in the world of contemporary art. His association with Angela Flowers and exhibitions at Flowers Gallery have further cemented his reputation. Whether through oil painting or prints, his contributions to contemporary British art remain significant. M.S. Rau proudly offers a selection of Patrick Hughes paintings for sale. Contact us today for more information.
“About Patrick Hughes.” patrickhughes.co.uk. Accessed August 20, 2022. https://www.patrickhughes.co.uk/about/
Artists & Artisans
Hughes, Patrick
Early Career
Though he credits many of the early absurdists and Surrealists as his primary sources of inspiration, Hughes has never formally attached himself to any movement, keeping himself and his oeuvre separate from groups that emerged in England in the mid-20th century. However, according to George Melly, who wrote the introduction to the catalog of Hughes’ first solo exhibition, he was among the “young British artists who seem to be directly or indirectly moved by the surrealist spirit.” That exhibition, which was held at the Portal Gallery in London in 1961, was organized soon after Hughes completed his studies at Leeds, propelling him into the public realm at a relatively young age.
Not only was Hughes very well-versed in the history of the Dadaists and Surrealists, including Rene Magritte, Paul Klee, Marcel Duchamp and Francis Picabia, he also was a student of the science of perspective, psychology, physics and neuroscience. In this way, he paid homage to the great masters of Renaissance art — Donatello, Ghiberti, Holbein the Younger and Palladio — who were the pioneers of linear perspective and geometric construction. Hughes' work often walks an intriguing line between Pop Art and Surrealism. Within his works, he secreted both implicit and explicit references to these early art historical greats, including classical architecture, pyramids and historical instruments. This exceptional combination of classical and surrealist perspectives make his oeuvre something both dynamic and entirely unique.
Rising Fame
Following his initial years of success, Hughes created his first reverse perspective (which he dubbed “reverspective") painting in 1964, effectively changing the course of his career. These 3-D reverspective paintings were specially designed to trick the eye. Constructed of wooden panels forming three-dimensional pyramids, the resulting illusion of space within the pictorial frame changes seamlessly as the viewer interacts with it, bringing the feeling that one is moving around the room. As Hughes once stated in an interview with Murray McDonald, “I do not make the illusions, I make the coherent structures that are neat and complete; it is the see-er who creates the illusion. You are the person who makes it, with your mind and your legs."
Lasting Genius
Today, Patrick Hughes continues to explore the world through his unique perspective, most recently in a series of works that explores the centuries-old architecture and canals of Venice. The artist also works in the second dimensional with a series of prints featuring rainbows, a motif he has explored since his early years as a painter. These M.C. Escher-esque creations reveal the versatility and creativity of the artist, whose over 60-year-long career has pushed boundaries and challenged the way that we view the world.
As he once said: “Reverspectives give you air to breathe and a dance of life to pursue. I like to think my work is universally appealing.” An absolute original, today his works can be found in the Denver Art Museum, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, British Academy, British Library, Leeds Arts University, Tate Gallery, and many other private and public collections.
Patrick Hughes’ work is highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts alike. His unique style and optical illusions have garnered him a significant following in the world of contemporary art. His association with Angela Flowers and exhibitions at Flowers Gallery have further cemented his reputation. Whether through oil painting or prints, his contributions to contemporary British art remain significant. M.S. Rau proudly offers a selection of Patrick Hughes paintings for sale. Contact us today for more information.
“About Patrick Hughes.” patrickhughes.co.uk. Accessed August 20, 2022. https://www.patrickhughes.co.uk/about/
