JONATHAN OWEN
b. 1973, United KingdomJonathan Owen’s work involves the systematic transformation of readymade objects and images. He is interested in making by reducing and removing, and in the controlled collapse of existing objects as a method of production and reactivation. His sculptures begin as relics of another time: 19th century marble statues and busts that he re-carves into disjointed, destabilised versions of their original selves.
Owen’s Eraser Drawings—made using found book pages—can be considered as carvings in two dimensions. Most recently these have been drawn from publications of cinema history; film-stills, portraits of stars or documentary images on-set. Gradually removing ink from the surface of the page, he erases the foreground figures, reshaping them into inanimate details of the scenes they once inhabited.
In March 2014, Ingleby Gallery hosted a major solo exhibition of Owen’s eraser drawings and sculptural work and from June 2014 to January 2015 Owen exhibited work at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art as part of the nationwide series of exhibitions _GENERATION. _Owen’s solo exhibition at Ingleby Gallery in August 2016 accompanied his public artwork for the nearby Burns Monument, commissioned by Edinburgh Art Festival 2016. This marble nymph was aqcuired by the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia, and exhibitied by them as part of the Triennial. A solo exhibition of new sculptures and eraser drawings was displayed at Ingleby in Spring, 2021.
Jonathan Owen will be presenting work as part of Glasgow International 2026, with a solo exhibition at Holmwood House, Scotland.
Courtesy Ingleby
Explore and Follow Artists Shaping Contemporary Art
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services