The work of renowned painter and sculptor Gary Hume is characterized by his invigorating use of radiant panes of glossy colour. In his first major monograph the artist's rich, affecting work is granted new life in over 200 full-colour illustrations. Using imagery as diverse as polar bears, snowmen and supermodels, Hume turns ephemera into striking portraits and abstract landscapes - the paintings are simplistic yet engaging, blending a charming naivety with a sophisticated grasp of the colour wheel, all of which confirms Hume's position as one of Britain's most celebrated artists.While Hume's trademark use of gloss planes creates a reduced texture, the flatness of his form and composition combines to suggest an air of melancholy.

Author Biography

Ulrich Loock is an artist and was director of Switzerlands, Kunsthalle Bern from 1985 to 1997. At the Kunsthalle Bern he had a reputation for showing the right artists at the right time and forming a relationship between the museum's permanent collection and contemporary works. His exhibitions include Michael Asher, Matthew Barney, Robert Gober, and Raymond Pettibon. He has contributed to numerous books on contemporary artists, including Luc Tuymans, Suzan Frecon painting, Herbert Brandl, Bethan Huws, Jean-Marc Bustamante, Gerhard Richter, and Raymond Pettibon amoungst many others.