James Hugonin: variations on the theme of colour, similarity and difference

Abstract

James Hugonin has made just eighteen paintings in the last twenty two years. Each has been the same size and used an identical silverpoint grid drawn into a gesso surface. Using a pre-composed system he has covered the grid with small rectangles of colour. This essay uses these paintings to discuss insights into the nature of colour that Hugonin’s slow reflective practice has generated over the years, revealing the iridescent fluid nature of this elusive substance.