Counter Points, an exhibition of work by Paul G. Hughes
by Hull Artist Research Initiative
Hull Artist Research Initiative (HARI) is a not-for-profit artist-led project, with a remit to support artists' ideas, exploration and creation of new work through research and experimentation opportunities, and engagement programmes of discussion and events.
HARI are excited to organise COUNTER POINTS as an opportunity to see Hughes' fascinating work again, but also as an instigation to ideas exchange, including discussions around Hull's arts and culture and DIY initiatives – past, present, future.
Counter Points is an exhibition of minimalist paintings and sculptural pieces by Hull-based artist Paul G. Hughes (b.1966-d.2023). It also contains ephemera which points to some of his underpinning research and interests, and his role in RED Gallery of Contemporary Art.
In producing this exhibition and accompanying programme, HARI (Hull Artist Research Initiative) wishes to engage people in responding to the key themes of the work, considering artists' roles and legacy, and reflecting on Hull's arts ecology of the past 40 years. The culmination of these talks, discussions, creative activities and arts events, will be a visioning of what is pertinent to a vibrant local DIY arts future, and the initiation of an archive of influential arts happenings and intiatives.
Paul G. Hughes
Paul G. Hughes (b.1966-d.2023) came to Hull from Stockport in 1994 to study Fine Art at Hull School of Art & Design, graduating in 1997. During his time at HSAD, he began making large scale minimalist paintings which pursued an understanding of 'grey'. He explored this in parallel in his dissertation, through lenses as various as neurology and philosophy for A GREY EXPERIENCE [Meanings and Metaphors].
For his Degree Show, Hughes utilised a defunct Fruit Market warehouse space to exhibit his grey canvases, including the 5m long Tank – in the area which has since been developed as Hull’s Cultural Quarter for the arrival of Hull 2017, and now houses Humber Street Gallery. Upon graduation, Hughes founded RED Gallery of Contemporary Arts (1997-2016) with three fellow HSAD graduates in a 4 room semi-derelict Council meanwhile space on Osborne Street. Hughes was passionate about the arts and education, holding many roles through his life including Critical Arts Theory Lecturer, and Theatre Studies Technician.
The exhibition runs from Friday 12th April to Tuesday 28th May 2024.
Open daily 10am - 5pm, with late opening Tuesdays 7pm.