Tom Hurel is a British contemporary artist whose journey has been anything but ordinary. Born in the UK and now based in Florence, Italy, Tom’s artistic path has taken him from the streets of Indonesia and Asia to the studios of Europe, with a few unexpected stops along the way..
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“The backstory for my paintings revolves around a fascinating group of characters who are actually friendly aliens from a distant world within our universe.”
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“These beings have visited Earth multiple times throughout history, particularly during the Egyptian era, where they interacted with humanity and shared their love for art and music.”
'“They are not here to conquer or harm; instead, they are curious explorers who admire the creativity and ingenuity of mankind.”
Their home planet is a breathtaking realm filled with vibrant landscapes, lush nature, and an abundance of beauty that reflects their advanced civilization. This world is rich in love and harmony, where art and music are integral parts of daily life.
The aliens are descendants of royalty, possessing knowledge that transcends human understanding, and they travel through time and space from the 5th dimension to learn and share their experiences with us.
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“In my portraits, I capture their essence, their unique features, and the joy they find in human creativity.”
” Each character represents a different facet of their culture and history, and as I develop their bodies in future series, I will depict them engaging in various activities that showcase their love for art and their desire to teach humanity about the wonders they have encountered.”
“Through my work, I aim to bridge the gap between our worlds, inviting viewers to explore this enchanting narrative and consider the possibilities of connection across the cosmos.”
With a degree in Contemporary Art, Tom’s career didn’t exactly follow the traditional route. After spending time in prison (he’s happy to share that story over a drink), he found himself furiously painting for his life—well, at least for his sanity—in the prison art class.
The hours spent with paintbrush in hand were his escape from the daily grind of jail life, and it wasn’t long before Tom’s artistic passion earned him the role of Art Mentor. There, he took on the daunting task of teaching fellow inmates how to use art as a creative outlet—and, as Tom likes to joke, how to avoid getting on the wrong side of the prison guard with a well-placed sketch.
Now in Florence, Tom creates bold oil paintings on wood, each piece taking shape slowly and deliberately. With a new series emerging weekly, his process is so meticulous he jokes his brushes have a better work-life balance than most artists.
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His work is an ongoing exploration of cultural influences, personal growth, and the intersection of life’s oddest twists. Through each evolving series, Tom invites viewers to join him on a creative journey that continues to surprise—even him.
Through all the twists and turns—literal and artistic—Tom’s work is a reminder that art is not just something you make; it’s something that can help you find your way.
All images © Tom Hurel
