A pioneer of Conceptual art in Britain, John Hilliard broke new ground in photography by challenging its potential as a representational device and its status within the visual arts. A student at Lancaster College of Art (1962-64) and St. Martin's School of Art (1964-67), he quickly made a name for himself with his first solo show at the Camden Arts Centre in 1969. His approach to photography is rigorous and systematic; the emphasis on the intellect in his photographs overules any aesthetic appeal of the physical objects or subjects presented.
In addition to Tate Modern’s critically acclaimed exhibition on conceptual photography, 'Shape of Light: 100 Years of Photography and Abstract Art' (2018), his work was included in Tate Britain’s group exhibition ‘Conceptual Art in Britain 1964–1979’ in 2016. He has participated in prestigious group shows 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); ‘Exciting As We Can Make It’, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, UK (2014); ‘Uncommon Ground, Land Art In Britain’, City Art Gallery, Southampton, UK (2013); and ‘United Enemies: The Problem Of Sculpture In Britain In The 1960s And 1970s’, The Henry Moore Institute, Leeds, UK (2011), amongst others. Hilliard is an Emeritus Professor at the Slade School of Fine Art, University College, London, UK.