Patrick H Jones

Patrick H Jones’ (b. 1987, London, UK) practice delves into themes of absence, control, and introspection. Grief propels the work into existence, acting as the force that drives Jones to contemplate his ever-evolving sense of self as he grapples with the passing of his father. His recent body of work reveals an unravelling, or disentangling, of these complex emotions; though rooted in grief, it no longer stands as the work’s central focus. How does one go about creating their existence in the wake of loss? Jones’ works raises fundamental and universal questions surrounding grief, serving as an ongoing exploration of learning, rumination, and the relinquishment of control – both over the good and bad. In this sense, loss is examined not only as a source of disorientation, but also as a potential catalyst for growth.

Ambiguous subjects take form through spectral figures which emerge and recede into shadowy areas of thickly applied paint, suggesting a shifting understanding of absence. Animals become analogies for human emotion: a flock of cawing swans evokes mass hysteria, while awkwardly bent bodies and twisted limbs evoke feelings of claustrophobia, speaking to universal and primal anxieties. The raw, elegiac quality of Jones’ work unveils a desire to make sense of the incomprehensible, but simultaneously points to glimmers of hope that emerge in the aftermath of grief. Collectively, Jones’ works quietly navigate the intricate terrain of reflection and acceptance, offering a poignant exploration of the human psyche and the enduring power of connection in the face of life’s complexities.