Biography

About Edward Jack Humphrey

Driven by his passion for capturing imaginative and expressive portraits, Edward Jack Humphrey explores identity, emotion, and storytelling in his artworks. Humphrey is an alumnus of the renowned National Art School, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, and has furthered his expertise with a Certificate IV in Arts and Cultural Administration from TAFE NSW. His notable achievements include being selected for the prestigious 2018 Salon des Refusés, becoming a finalist in the 2020 Archibald Portrait Prize, and earning recognition in the 2021 Bluethumb Art Prize.

Vision Statement

Humphrey’s vision is to contribute his creative thinking and making to the art world. He aspires to win prestigious art prizes, be selected for renowned art fairs and residencies, and showcase his work in exhibitions around the world.

Mission Statement

Humphrey's mission is to create artworks that capture personal and collective narratives, exploring themes of our environment, beauty, aesthetics, and the identity of people and culture.

Artist Statement

In my practice, the camera is a starting point, a way to capture people and moments that I translate into paintings and drawings with emotional and narrative depth. I enjoy deconstructing the photograph, blending spontaneity with realism to create energetic, intimate, and resonant works. I'm inspired by the expressive realism of Gustave Courbet, Jenny Saville, and Guy Maestri, and by the psychological intensity in the work of Brett Whiteley and Ben Quilty, which drives me to infuse raw emotion into my subjects.

Whether using paint, pencil, or mixed media, my process stays consistent. I begin with a raw surface, build layers for depth and realism, and use lighting, texture, tone, and contrast to convey what photos often miss, such as the environment, weather, and atmosphere. I'm driven by a cycle of innovation and growth, with each artwork offering a new way to see, understand, and express.