About

Emma Hurst (b. 1973) is a British artist based in Arundel, West Sussex. She makes unstretched paintings by staining raw canvas and linen with pigment, folding the wet cloth and compressing it until it dries, then opening it out so the creases stay in the work. The paintings are hung, draped and installed in response to each space.

She has an MA in Fine Art (Distinction) from West Dean College. Her work is in private collections in the UK, USA, Singapore and Hong Kong, and is shown by Zimmer Stewart Gallery and Gallery 57 in Arundel.

In her words

“I begin a piece by choosing its dimensions, tearing the material, breaking through its manufactured form. I lay it on the ground, mix my pigments and apply it with a big paintbrush. I may add gesso to the mix depending on the colour or stiffness I want the piece to form into. I make my folds, compress the material and let it dry.”

“My painting process is labour intensive, committed and performative. I allow the paint to puddle and pool, soak into the surface and through to the underside, staining each fibre as I move over the surface.”

“Working directly in response to place, to architecture and surrounding landscapes, my installations are combinations of new works and selected paintings from my increasing library.”

“I know a piece is done when it unifies something in my mind and body and triggers my senses with excitement.”