Hugo Wilson

Hugo Wilson’s work spans multiple mediums, but is united by its interest in methods of categorization and creating archives. As Wilson explains, “I was always interested in what made things tick and what was governing things, sort of natural law.” His practice is based primarily in creating series of paintings and drawings, though he has also made installations and a series of sculptures cast from corroded hearts and lungs. Most often, his subjects are animals both extant and extinct, and human artifacts. One of his better-known series, “32 drawings” (2011-2012), presents depictions of 32 objects associated with faith and superstition throughout human history, isolated on white backgrounds. Wilson employed a detailed, realistic style that was in part inspired by 18th- and 19th-century pastorals and portraiture.