Howl Hubbard

Howl Hubbard

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Degree: Fine Art
University: Aberystwyth
Graduation Year: 2020

New Blood Art Commentary

The small size of Howl Hubbard’s ‘Storm’s Eye’ series belies the intensity of the paintings. When hung on a wall, their magnetism draws the eye in, keeping it there. The artist’s architecture of light is made by superimposing layers of transparent purples, blues, and yellows. This is achieved by applying, removing, and smudging paint, the luminosity of the centre deepening to darkness at the edges. These paintings are a contemporary continuation of that most triumphant painter of atmosphere, J.M.W Turner - particularly the more abstract works by this master, or rather, apprentice of light. Hubbard also returns again and again in order to do this subject justice. Light is at the centre and all else falls away from these hazy openings onto clarity. Portals are more explicitly referenced by the less abstract paintings, ‘Cyntedd (Hall)’ and ‘Stafell Hanes (History Room’). There are also temporal considerations in this work: a still moment must at once be considered as a transitional one. 

Artist Statement

My primary objective, when it comes to painting, is to portray the nature of light and shadow ; its ephemerality and spiritual connotations, allowing for ontological discussions on isolation and mindfulness. This is completed through a portrayal of windows, interior space and the creation of dimension through light and shadow. When observing areas of light, I find myself submitting to a sense of peace and watchfulness. Then, through painting I become fully aware, gaining momentary freedom in looking at the ephemeral luminosity stream across a window frame. Through thin washes of acrylic paint on board, I aim to capture a moment in time, a conscious experience like that of seeing a room in its last moments, before it is abandoned.

Group Exhibitions

(2020) Lone Worlds, The Sustainable Studio, Cardiff

(2020) Winter Show, La Galleria, Pall Mall, London

(2020) Portal, Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Cwmbrân

(2017) Degree Show, Arts Academy, Cardiff