Mark Curtis Hughes ASGFA

Biography 

Mark Curtis Hughes (b.1987) is a paper artist and educator. Born in Leicester, he studied a BA in Drawing and Applied Arts and an MA in Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking at the University of the West of England. He completed his PGCE at the Institute of Education, UCL in London. Mark has worked full time as an art teacher for over ten years whilst developing his art practice.

Mark began exploring papercutting as a means of developing his sketches into woodcut prints. Inspired by German expressionists like Karl Schmidt-Rottluff he wanted to investigate dynamism and immediacy in what was by nature a time consuming process. Gradually, working into paper directly with a scalpel became the primary focus of his practice, and whilst the imagery has become more intricate and complex the mark making is still improvised and spontaneous giving the works an energy and a transience which reflects elements of human nature and the modern world.

Mark has exhibited his artwork nationally, including “Matisse and contemporary Paperart” 2022 at the Rheged Centre, “Pulp” 2024 at Make South-West and the Royal Academy Summer exhibition in 2024. He has exhibited internationally at shows including the Luca Bienalle 2022, Italy, “Paper Duets” 2022, New Delhi, and “Cutting Edge- Contemporary Papercutting” 2024, Boston, USA. His most recent solo show, “Ocean of Noise” took place at the Rugby Art Gallery and Museum in June 2025. In addition to joining SGFA, Mark is a member of the Paper Artist Collective and The International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists.