CV — Jack Halford Artist

Artist Statement (last updated 08/02/24)

Jack Halford, b. 1995, Leicester, UK explores the intersection of the psychedelic realm of microbiological imagery and psychology through painting. He references microphotographs of damaged cell tissue to create compositions he then pulls figurative elements from to create narratives exploring different emotional processes and states of being, hoping to aid introspective thought. He believes in the face of adversity; the collective use of healthy coping mechanisms could bring about a big societal shift in consciousness.

In conversation with artist Ameerah Dawood in November 2023, the term "Anthromicroscopy" emerged organically as we discussed the human qualities evident in microscopic images. Ameerah introduced the concept of 'anthropomorphise,' a term that resonated deeply with the exploration of human elements in microscopic inspiration. Jack, inspired by this conversation, coined the term Anthro-microscopy, which encapsulates the essence of his artistic vision.

Derived from the fusion of "anthro" (meaning human) and "microscopy" (the study of small objects), Anthro-microscopy signifies a unique exploration where the microscopic world intertwines with the complexities of human experience. This term serves as a bridge, connecting the minute to the monumental, inviting viewers to delve into the intricacies of their own emotions and the vastness of the human psyche.

Through Anthromicroscopy, Jack seeks to unveil the unseen connections between the smallest details and the complexity of human existence. His paintings, characterized by psychedelic elements, become portals into this Anthromicroscopic realm, where the scientific beauty of microscopic imagery converges with figurative elements. This visual language transcends traditional boundaries, prompting viewers to contemplate the interplay between the seen and the unseen, the known and the unknown.

2020-Present:

Director/Curator/Founder of Painting Ground a Nomadic Curatorial Research Project

2016 - Present:

Studio Holder at Two Queens Gallery/Studios, 2 Queen Street, Leicester, LE1 1QW

2020-2023:

University of the Arts London, Camberwell College of Arts - BA Fine Art: Painting

2023-present:

Contributor to RAN (Running Artfully Network)

2024 - Present:

Education Coordinator for Fermynwoods Contemporary Art

November 2023:

Workshop Facilitator with Fermynwoods Contemporary Art

I Worked with The CE Academy to show students how to create their own zines, opening up a space for their creative expression about topics that are important to them.

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Video Commission For Art Quest September 2023

In this video made by artist Jack Halford for Art Worlds he talks about barriers he has faced and faced more widely by artists with lived experience of being from working class backgrounds. He goes on to discuss effects the barriers can cause and strategies for overcoming them.

Selected Exhibitions:

Mix the colours, Two Queens Gallery, Leicester, 23 February 2024

All this wrath, Blue Shop Gallery, London, 15 February 2024 - 3 March 2024

Smock-Ravelled, Two Queens Gallery, 26 august - 9 September 2023

Degree Show 9th - 17th June 2023 - Camberwell College of Arts, 45 - 65 Peckham Road, London, SE5 8UF.

Just the powder of the flute, Safehouse 2, 137 Copeland Road London, SE15 3SN 3-6 March 2023

Southwark Park Galleries, London, 4-5 February 2023

Alchemical Vessels, 126 Gallery & Studios, Galway, Ireland. 13 - 29 January 2023

Blunderbuss, Two Queens, Leicester, 12 November - 19 November 2022

DRIP (I curated this, part of my curatorial project ‘painting ground’), Two Queens, Leicester, 22 September - 1October 2022

Gloam Gallery, Sheffield, 29 April - 8 May 2022

Half Way - A.P.T Gallery, London, 17 - 20 February 2022

Members Show - Two Queens, Leicester, 12 - 27 November 2021

Creative Lockdown - Art @ The Chapel, Leicester, 9 - 22 November 2021

Members show - Two Queens, Leicester, UK. 22 October - 31 October 2020

Socially Distanced - StudionAme, Leicester, 11 September 2020 -13 September 2020

Two Queens at We Are, Leicester, UK, 6 September – 5 October 2019

Members show - Two Queens, Leicester, UK, 31 May – 1 June 2019

New Walk Museum and Art Gallery, Leicester, UK 15 December 2018 - 2 February 2019

Members show - Two Queens, Leicester, UK, 26 May 2018

Happy To Be Here - Attenborough Arts Centre, Leicester, UK, 7 January – 12 January 2017

Don’t Mind – Two Queens, Leicester, UK, 20 August – 28 August 2016

Galerie 691, London, UK, May - July 2015

Etienne Gallery, Derbyshire, UK, March 2015