John Hilliard approaches his surroundings as an observer, as well as a participant. A pioneer of conceptual art in Britain, he has broken new ground in photography by juxtaposing the possibilities of the camera - as a device that represents reality - to its status in the context of the visual arts. His photography is rigorous and systematic, with an emphasis on the intellectual quality of the image, restraining the aesthetic appeal of the physical subjects depicted.
John Hilliard (1945, Lancaster, United Kingdom) studied at Lancaster College of Art (1962-64) and St. Martin’s School of Art (1964- 67). His first solo show was at Camden Arts Center in 1969. He participated in many exhibitions and his work was included in the group exhibition ‘Conceptual Art in Britain
1964 - 1979’ at the Tate Britain, 2016. His work was also part of many prestigious group exhibitions around the world, including: ‘The Family of the Invisibles’, Seoul Museum of Art, South Korea (2016); ‘Qu’Est-Ce Que La Photographie?’, Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris, France (2015); and in the UK: ‘Exciting As We Can Make It’, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham (2014); ‘Uncommon Ground, Land Art In Britain’, City Art Gallery,
Southampton (2013); United Enemies: The Problem Of Sculpture In Britain In The 1960s And 1970s, The Henry Moore Institute, Leeds (2011). Hilliard was Emeritus Professor at the Slade School of Fine Art, University College, London.