Begging For It 1994

Gary Hume painted ‘Begging For It’ with household gloss on aluminum. This material isn’t what we expect from fine art, but the smooth, reflective quality of gloss paint gives it a very appealing, almost sensual surface. Hume often takes his subjects from everyday life. In ‘Begging For It,’ the image of praying hands might suggest a religious plea, but the bold colors – acid green, bright blue, and stark black – undermine any sense of solemnity. The high-gloss paint emphasizes the contrast between these colors and the flatness of the aluminum panel. The choice of materials and application techniques are crucial here. Hume's simplified forms, combined with the glossy finish, challenge the traditional hierarchies of art and craft. His work compels us to reconsider how labor, materials, and context shape our understanding of art.