JOHN HOYLAND RA

‘When one is young and has experienced a good deal of rejection, you want to show everyone how tough you are. Later you want to show how clever you are. Later still, you want to see how far you can push yourself. And finally, you don’t give a f**k about anything, you just want to howl at the moon.’

John Hoyland, 2006 (sketchbook entry dated 2.04.06)

John Hoyland (1934–2011)

Early Life and Background

John Hoyland (1934–2011) was one of Britain’s leading abstract painters, renowned for his bold use of colour and dynamic compositions. Born in Sheffield, Hoyland studied at the Sheffield School of Art before moving on to the Royal Academy Schools in London. His early work leaned towards figurative painting, but exposure to the works of American Abstract Expressionists, such as Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman, led him to abandon representation in favour of pure abstraction.

Abstract artwork featuring vibrant orange peace signs outlined with multiple colors on a yellow and purple background with splashes and drips of paint.
A man wearing glasses and a striped shirt sits in an art studio surrounded by various abstract paintings and artworks on the wall.

Shop JOHN HOYLAND Art Here

John Hoyland and Damien Hirst’s Relationship

Damien Hirst has often cited John Hoyland as a major influence on his work, admiring his fearless use of colour and emotive abstraction. Hirst was instrumental in reviving interest in Hoyland’s legacy, curating the 2015 exhibition ‘Power Stations’ at his Newport Street Gallery, which introduced Hoyland’s work to a new generation of art enthusiasts. Despite their different approaches—Hirst’s conceptual rigor versus Hoyland’s visceral expressionism—their mutual respect was evident. Hirst once described Hoyland’s paintings as “brave, uncompromising, and beautiful,” emphasising their emotional impact and raw energy.

Inspirations and Motivations

Hoyland was heavily influenced by the energy and scale of American abstract painters, yet he maintained a distinctly European sensibility. His work embraced an emotional intensity, using colour and form as a means of expression rather than mere decoration. He rejected the notion that abstract art should be non-referential, believing instead that it could evoke deep human experiences and emotions. Throughout his career, he experimented with different techniques, from thin washes to thick impasto, always seeking new ways to energise the canvas.

An elderly man with gray hair and glasses, wearing a denim shirt and black pants, sits on a stool in an art studio surrounded by colorful abstract paintings and splatters of paint on the floor and walls.
An older man with gray hair, glasses, wearing a red plaid shirt and black pants sitting cross-legged in an art studio. Behind him is a large abstract painting with a red circle and blue swirl. The studio floor is covered in colorful paint splatters, and numerous paint bottles are scattered around.
Abstract art featuring a black silhouette of a person, a large red background, purple splatters, and a yellow and blue circular element in the center, with a green line at the bottom.

Most Famous Exhibitions

Hoyland exhibited extensively throughout his career, with key shows including:

  • 1967: Whitechapel Gallery, London – This solo show cemented his reputation as a major force in British abstraction.

  • 1979: Serpentine Gallery, London – A retrospective highlighting his evolution from the 1960s to the late 1970s.

  • 1999: Tate St Ives – Showcasing his later works, which became more gestural and textural.

  • 2015: ‘Power Stations’ at Newport Street Gallery – Curated by Damien Hirst, this posthumous exhibition brought Hoyland’s work to a new generation of art lovers.

Recent Market Value

Hoyland’s market has grown significantly in recent years, partly due to renewed interest from collectors and institutions. Recent auction results have seen his major paintings sell for upwards of £200,000–£500,000, with rare pieces fetching even higher. His connection to Hirst and his lasting influence on contemporary abstraction have contributed to this rising demand.

Person crouched on the floor, painting with green paint on a newspaper, surrounded by jars of paint and art supplies in an art studio.

Legacy and Importance

Hoyland remains a towering figure in British abstraction, celebrated for his fearless approach to painting and his ability to convey deep emotion through colour. His works continue to inspire contemporary artists and collectors alike, ensuring that his legacy endures beyond his lifetime.

A man with gray hair, beard, glasses, wearing a black jacket, sitting among multiple abstract paintings in a gallery or studio.
Abstract painting with a red background, a black spray-painted dollar sign, purple splatters, a circle with orange, red, and blue colors, and green lines at the bottom.
Abstract painting of two overlapping orange peace symbols with white, blue, yellow, and pink accents on a yellow and purple background with drips and splatters.
An artist standing in his studio surrounded by colorful paintings and art supplies.
An elderly woman with short white hair, wearing black glasses and a black sleeveless top, standing next to a man who is resting his head on her shoulder. The man has short hair, is wearing black glasses and a black shirt. Both are in front of a color
Two men standing in front of an abstract graffiti-style mural at an art studio or gallery, with one man wearing a black shirt and sunglasses and the other in a floral shirt. Artwork and supplies are visible in the background.
A young man with tousled hair dressed in a blazer, shirt, and tie standing outdoors with people in the background.
Abstract painting with large orange rectangle, a smaller green rectangle at the bottom, and vertical stripes of purple, brown, red, and orange along the right edge.
A man kneeling on the ground, painting on a large piece of paper with green paint, in an art studio or workshop with painted walls and various art supplies around.
Abstract digital art with splashes of red, green, and yellow on a dark green and black textured background, featuring a yellow circle near the center.
An elderly man with gray hair, wearing glasses, a denim shirt, and black pants, sits on a stool in an art studio surrounded by colorful abstract paintings and paint-splattered floors.
An elderly person with gray hair, wearing glasses, a red checkered shirt, black pants, and shiny brown boots, sitting on a stool in an art studio with colorful paint bottles, a splattered floor, and a large abstract painting with a blue circular desi
An older man in sunglasses standing next to an abstract painting with a blue background, red swirl, and various colorful splashes, in an art studio.
A man with sunglasses and a denim shirt standing in front of an abstract colorful mural.