Monochrome Camouflage

For us as human beings, mirrors exist primarily because they allow us to look at ourselves. Like Narcissus, we are compelled to look, a passing glance or a steady stare, for some reassuring or revealing sense of ourselves. Mirrors allow us to believe that we can see ourselves objectively, as others see us. The result is both intimate – what could be more so than a living image of oneself – but also distanced and detached.

Hosking exploits all these characteristics of mirrored surfaces in his work. It seems appropriate that the results should be seductively beautiful.

I am reminded of Duchamp’s observation that it is the viewer who completes a work of art, that the viewer ’s role is essential. Here that role is made overtly tangible. I also recall the scientific principal that, simply by the attempt to observe, researchers distort what they are observing.

Sir Michael Craig-Martin

Paul Hosking, Disappearer (Black), 2017
Engraved mirror and spray paint on aluminium
185 x 122 x 3 cm

Paul Hosking, Zurich, Exquisite Corpse (Red), 2021
Engraved mirror on aluminium
195 x 195 x 3 cm

Paul Hosking, Exquisite Corpse (Red), 2021
Engraved mirror on aluminium
195 x 195 x 3 cm

Paul Hosking, Micheal Fuchs Gallery, Berlin, Exquisite corpse (Purple), 2018
Engraved mirror on aluminium
122 x 122 x 3cm

Paul Hosking, Horizon (Yellow), 2018
Engraved mirror on aluminium
195 x 65 x 3 cm

Paul Hosking, Berlin, Interchange (Gold), 2017
Engraved mirror on aluminium
122 x 122 x 3 cm

Paul Hosking, Berlin, Germany, Interchange (Gold), 2017
Engraved mirror on aluminium
220 x 120 x 3 cm

Paul Hosking, Berlin, Germany, Emergence Exhibition, Michael Fuchs Gallery
Michael Fuchs Gallery
Berlin

Paul Hosking, Horizon (Orange), 2018
Engraved mirror on aluminium
195 x 65 x 3 cm

Paul Hosking, Zurich, War Paint (Black), 2018
Engraved mirror on aluminium
80 x 65 x 3 cm

Paul Hosking, Berlin, Germany, Observer (Gold), 2017
Engraved mirror on aluminium
185 x 122 x 3 cm

Paul Hosking, Berlin, Disappearer (Blue), 2017
Engraved mirror and spray paint on aluminium
122 x 85x 3 cm

Paul Hosking, Exquisite Corpse (Gold), 2018
Engraved mirror on aluminium
122 x 122 x 3 cm