Russell Hughes

Russell Hughes, a York-based artist and printmaker, is celebrated for his expertise in monoprints, collagraphs, and collage. His work is distinctive for its strong elements of pattern and colour, ranging from abstract explorations of shape and colour to research-based pieces inspired by personal experiences and observation. A key aspect of his process involves walking and recording small data sets to visualise places, which then form the foundation for the shapes and patterns in his final pieces. Russell’s practice is grounded in structure and process, with a preference for printmaking due to its constrained and controlled nature, which he finds aligns well with his analytical and mathematical background. "It was printmaking that really captured my imagination," he says, reflecting on the practicality of the equipment and how it suits his desire for a structured approach to art.

Artistic Background
Russell’s journey into the arts began after a career in finance. Despite a naturally mathematical mindset, he always maintained a creative streak, engaging in art courses and attending galleries. It wasn’t until he finished a work contract ten years ago that he decided to pursue art more seriously. This led him to enroll in an Access to Art & Design course at York College, which he describes as “amazing.” Following this, he completed an MA in Creative Practice at Leeds Arts University while working part-time, allowing him to deepen his artistic practice. Since then, he has dedicated his focus to developing his artistic voice, particularly in the field of printmaking.

Russell’s work is deeply inspired by spatial, architectural, and map-like themes, in harmony with his analytical thinking. His earlier works often drew from these influences, but more recently, he has shifted towards purely abstract explorations, allowing for a freer investigation of colour, shape, and form. He enjoys working in a methodical, process-driven manner, which complements his analytical nature and his fascination with themes that require careful thought and precision. The artist is also inspired by the city of York, where he is based, finding both the artistic community and the city’s history to be continual sources of inspiration.

Russell was a finalist in both the 2021 and 2022 Emerging Artist Awards, an experience that he found both enriching and rewarding. “For both years I was in, I was really happy with the fact that the work I produced was really well researched and well thought out and I felt was well executed,” he reflects. The awards gave him the opportunity to explore new themes and research topics more deeply, which he found beneficial to his artistic development. Additionally, his participation in the awards opened doors to further opportunities, including a significant public commission with York NHS Trust immediately following the 2021 awards.

Since taking part in the Emerging Artist Awards, Russell has continued to exhibit widely. In 2024 alone, he showcased his work at North Yorkshire Open Studios, Printfest in Ulverston, and the Open Exhibition at Scarborough’s Old Parcels Office, among other exhibitions. His body of work has also been featured in York Printmakers Autumn Fair and Sunny Bank Mills Christmas Fair in recent years. His work has evolved towards abstract monoprints, an area he is particularly passionate about, and he is currently exploring the possibilities of incorporating Islamic geometric patterns, which ties back to his love of structure and mathematics.

Future Aspirations and Emerging Ambitions
Looking ahead, Russell is excited to continue evolving his practice, with a focus on further exploring abstract monoprints and Islamic geometric patterns. His analytical background continues to shape his artistic vision, and he hopes to push the boundaries of how mathematical concepts can intersect with visual art. He is enthusiastic about future projects that challenge him to explore new methods and themes, while maintaining the structured, process-driven approach that is central to his work. As he looks to the future, Russell remains committed to his artistic journey, driven by a desire to refine his technique and continue contributing to the rich artistic landscape of Yorkshire.