The Gnome
The Gnome, 2005, John Hoyland, Screenprint, REDMG: 2023.86.1, Reading Foundation for Art collection, gift of The Bohun Gallery, Henley. Copyright: the artist. Photo: Reading Museum, Reading Borough Council
John Hoyland (1934–2011) was one of the UK’s leading abstract artists. He was Professor of Painting at the Royal Academy when he made this print.
Why Hoyland called this print The Gnome is not evident but at this time his unerringly abstract work always contained hints of figures or life forms.
The abstract shapes, dripped and swirled, dance through an ambiguous green space. The inclusion of red gloss ink adds a different texture further deepening the space within the image.
The print was made for the UK arts-in-health charity, Paintings in Hospitals. Their mission is to transform the UK’s health by using world-class art to inspire hope and boost wellbeing for patients, carers and communities. It is still for sale via their website.
