Profile
Artist Biography
Edward Jack Humphrey (b. 1998) is an Australian-born artist who works across mediums of photography, drawing and painting. In his artistic practice, he speaks of creative freedom and self-expression, capturing how beauty can be found in human form, body language and emotions.
He challenges the notion that realistic portraiture is often underappreciated and highlights how valuable and rewarding it is when he delves into the sitter’s mind to exemplify their personal, emotional expression. At times these reflect his own emotions, intensifying the portrait with a heartfelt touch.
Edward is an alumnus of the National Art School, where he completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts and majored in painting, drawing and philosophy. As well as this, he furthered his expertise with a Certificate IV in Arts and Cultural Administration from TAFE NSW. His work has received notable recognition, including two solo exhibitions, being selected for the prestigious 2018 Salon des Refusés, becoming a finalist in the 2020 Archibald Portrait Prize, and the 2021 Bluethumb Art Prize.
Artist Statement
Edward Jack Humphrey has always been intrigued by the dialogue between photography, painting and people. His current works explore themes of human behaviour and body language. Each portrait begins in mutual conversation, a formal approach to appreciate the models time and presence and to study their personality and mood. After this exchange, he discovers how he can integrate his own voice into their expressive poses. The photographs that emerge must feel personal and intimate; only then does he move forward, to paint who they are.
There is comfort in being a loosely realistic artist. It’s almost a reflection of how Edward lives. Neat, organised, structured but also emotional, raw and imperfect. Edward primarily paints with brushes and palette knives, gradually building from thin strokes to controlled, impasto marks.