The absurd gets me closer to an intensity of sensation ... The sensation of being in a body ... The sensation is only ever forming/transforming, never whole. This is why my images are nearly always cropped, part objects. They can never fully declare a meaning. Just like life ...
- Brent Harris, 2005
Born in New Zealand, Brent Harris has lived in Australia since 1981. A painter, printmaker and draughtsman, he has developed a distinctive personal visual language where his works dwell somewhere between abstraction and peculiar figuration, incorporating elements of the surreal, such as automatic drawing and uncanny distillation of the figure. Immaculate surfaces, pristine edges and cropped forms are dominant features of his works.
Harris works methodically, often using a sequence of paintings, prints or drawings to zero in on an idea, a form or to determine a composition.
The Art Gallery of NSW recently acquired a selection of evocative aquatints from his Swamp series of 1998-2000.
About the study room
In the study room you can see works on paper from the Gallery’s collection of over 21,000 prints, drawings, photographs and watercolours by Australian and international artists from the 15th century to the present day, as well as sketchbooks, artist books and printing blocks.
Located on lower level 2 of the Gallery, it is open to the public Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm (except public holidays and during the Christmas / New Year period).
Visit anytime during its opening hours to see the works on display or find out more about the collection.
Make a booking if you are visiting as a group or if you wish to see specific works.
For more information, see
artgallery.nsw.gov.au/research/study-room
