Julie Umerle longlisted for Aesthetica Art Prize 2026

 

'English Red' longlisted for Aesthetica Art Prize 2026

                                  

English Red by Julie Umerle

English Red by Julie Umerle

        

Julie Umerle studied at Falmouth University, Cornwall, and Parsons School of Design, New York City. She makes work that explores the processes of abstract painting. Her practice is an investigation of materials and perception of the image. Her recent collection of paintings continues her exploration of the parameters of geometry, colour and space resulting in bold explorations of contemporary geometric abstraction. In English Red, she develops a minimal, monochrome, hard-edged composition named after an earth pigment, presenting an architectural image in which a central geometric form is given spatial prominence by the stretched canvas ground.

website
www.julieumerle.com

instagram
@julieumerle

Aesthetica Art Prize 2026

Delighted that my practice in painting has been longlisted for the 2026 Aesthetica Art Prize.

The 2026 jury includes curators from the V&A, V&A Dundee, The Photographers' Gallery, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Royal Academy of Arts and Whitworth Gallery.

Both short listed and long listed artists will be included in the show, in digital or physical format, alongside online publication.

York Art Gallery, Exhibition Square, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7EW

18 July - 15 November 2026

Art Basel Hong Kong

 

Julie Umerle x Ray-Ban RED

Delighted to be part of the Ray-Ban RED exhibition at Art Basel Hong Kong with my painting Octagon (Red) ❤️❤️  

Ray-Ban RED is an artistic celebration of the brand's most iconic visual code: the colour Red.

Ray-Ban RED residency at Art Basel Hong Kong.

Collectors Lounge Foyer. Level 3

Convention and Exhibition Centre

1 Harbour Road

1 Wan Chai

Hong Kong, China

27–29 March 2026

Surface and Space: Solo Exhibition: Julie Umerle

It is with great pleasure that I invite you to visit my solo virtual exhibition 'Surface and Space' at Sikora Arts Gallery, New York.

1 March - 23 April 2026

Step into the virtual exhibition space here:

'Surface and Space' at Sikora Arts Gallery

'Surface and Space' at Sikora Arts Gallery, New York

 

Four upcoming solo exhibitions which can be viewed online at Sikora Arts Gallery, New York next month.

I am delighted to have been invited to present my solo show 'Surface and Space' at the gallery from 1st March - 23rd April 2026.

Inaugural Exhibition of Abstract and Minimal Art, New York

The Inaugural Exhibition for Abstract and Minimal Art launches today at Sikora Arts Gallery, New York, USA.

1st January - 21st February 2026

A brilliant start to the year to be part of this online exhibition of curated works.

My five paintings are shown on the first floor, alongside three other painters.

Please see link below to explore the exhibition:

https://artspaces.kunstmatrix.com/en/exhibition/14940301/inaugural-exhibition-abstract-and-minimal-art-2026-1st-floor

i-D x Ray-Ban

 

Octagon (red)
Julie Umerle

I was absolutely delighted to hear the news that my painting Octagon (Red) has been selected as part of the i-D x Ray-Ban global competition - RED campaign! 

RED is a partnership between i-d and Ray-Ban that celebrates creative expression through the colour RED. My painting was selected by a panel of judges made up of i-D’s and Ray-Ban’s Creative Teams.

 

i-D and Ray-Ban present RED. Before the name, there is a feeling. RED. The spark for the creative. The colour for the bold. The energy that creates what’s next. It is the thread connecting every artist and visionary; the belief that the brightest ideas deserve the boldest stage. This is a collaboration of pure optimism. A vivid snapshot of a world seen through a new filter. A way of seeing. A way of living. The official colour of right now.

UEL Archive

 

I am very proud that University of East London will house my archive as part of their Special Collections.

I still have some work to do before I have completed the project, but it is so wonderful to know that my archive will be cared for by them.

The archive has an important role in amplifying underrepresented voices and diversity, and as a tool for legacy and research. This is something that UEL is particularly passionate about. Very excited that my goal in preserving my history as an artist has been achieved.

Complementary material is held at Tate Library and The Women's Art Library, Goldsmiths University.

Sixth anniversary of 'Art, Life and Everything'

This year marks six years since the publication of my memoir 'Art, Life and Everything'. 

I have really enjoyed watching it gain an audience. It is so exciting to see my book out in the world and reaching out to people.

So on this occasion I'm posting a few photos of 'Art, Life and Everything' in such settings.

Enjoy!

The Library at Norwich University of the Arts

Waterstones, Canary Wharf, London

Waterstones, Walthamstow, London

Wimbledon Bookshop, London

Bloomberg Connects

  © Julie Umerle

Delighted to share that the Priseman Seabrook Collection is now available to view via the Bloomberg Connects app.

My painting 'Eclipse' is part of their collection.

ECLIPSE
1999-2000
Oil and acrylic on canvas

DESCRIPTION
Umerle is an American-born artist who lives and works in London. In this work she presents us with a process-driven abstract painting in which oil and acrylic paint have been applied to create a beautiful pattern, somehow reminiscent of rain trickling down a window. It has been achieved because oil and acrylic paints don't mix, as acrylic is water based. This allows Umerle to play with the disruptive patters the mediums themselves have created, forming a beautiful painting from their interplay.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Dimensions
51 x 46 cm

Accession Number
131