Ben Luke talks to Jacqueline Humphries about her influences – from writers to filmmakers, musicians and, of course, other artists – and the cultural experiences that have shaped her life and work.
Installation view of Jacqueline Humphries IDFK01 (2023)
Courtesy of the artist and modern art
Humphries, born in 1960 in New Orleans, USA, and now based in New York, is an artist who has taken painting into new territories. She is aware of the history of the medium, but embraces the technologies and explores their impact on this age-old discipline. His practice, which now spans five decades from the late 1980s to the present day, is rigorous, irreverent and always surprising.
From left to right: Jacqueline Humphries JH530 (2023), JH190 Barnett Newman (2023)
Courtesy of the artist and modern art
She discusses the early influence of Édouard Manet and a late revelation about Caravaggio, key relationships with other painters like Charlene von Heyl, her admiration for Mark E. Smith of The Fall, and her fascination with Dwarf Fortress video game. In addition, it answers our usual questions, including the ultimate: what is art for?
by Jacqueline Humphries untitled (2023)
Courtesy of the artist and modern art
• Jacqueline Humphries, Modern ArtHelmet Row and Bury Street, London, until July 22
• We smell gas, Reena SpaulingNew York, until June 25
• From Andy Warhol to Kara Walker: Scenes from the Collection, Brandhorst MuseumMunich, Germany, until July 14
• To Bend the Ear of the Outer World: Conversations on Contemporary Abstract Painting, GagosianLondon, until August 25.
