Joseph Loughborough is an artist whose work resonates deeply with the complexities of the human experience. Growing up in the derelict boatyards and creeks of Portsmouth, UK, Loughborough’s formative years were steeped in a unique blend of art, philosophy, and skateboarding culture. After earning his degree from Portsmouth University, he spent nearly a decade in Paris and Berlin, before returning to London, where he now creates from his studio in Canning Town.
Loughborough’s artistic philosophy is heavily influenced by existential thinkers like Albert Camus and Søren Kierkegaard, particularly their notions of absurdity. His work embodies a raw honesty and expressionism, characterized by impulsive and intuitive mark-making. Each piece serves as a decadent theatre of emotion, sexuality, and movement, where lonely human forms grapple with their existence in a sporadically lit space.
His drawings often depict couples and groups seeking solace from the revelations of their lives, embodying the struggle between hope and despair. Loughborough’s characters are personifications of latent emotions, waiting in vain for realization. This exploration of the human condition reflects a philosophical model that acknowledges the potential meaninglessness of existence without succumbing to nihilism.
Loughborough’s solo exhibitions reveal the evolution of his artistic voice, showcasing a profound journey through various themes and emotional landscapes. Notable shows include The Sea of Shadows and Reflections at Anno Domini Gallery in California in August 2022, where he delved into themes of introspection and emotional depth. This exhibition invited viewers to explore the complexities of their inner worlds, reflecting on the shadows that often accompany self-discovery. In The Decadent Animal at Wellhung Gallery in London in June 2019, Loughborough showcased his exploration of the primal aspects of human nature, presenting works that evoke raw emotion and instinctual behavior.
This exhibition challenged audiences to confront their own animalistic tendencies and the underlying desires that drive human interactions. Similarly, Of Rust at Art of Treason Gallery in Brighton in October 2018 offered a poignant reflection on decay and transformation, emphasizing the beauty found in impermanence and the passage of time. Through these exhibitions, Loughborough’s work serves as a mirror to the viewer’s own fears and desires, prompting introspection and dialogue about the human experience. Each piece invites contemplation, encouraging audiences to engage with their emotions and the often unspoken narratives that shape their lives.
Loughborough’s work has also been featured in prestigious museum exhibitions, such as Radical Fluidity at The Museum of 20th and 21st Century Art in St. Petersburg, Russia (December 2018). Additionally, he is set to participate in a joint exhibition titled Human Tides with Colin Merrin at The Box Gallery in Portsmouth (September 2024), further solidifying his presence in the contemporary art scene.
