Brent Harris

Brent Harris’ paintings and works on paper are brooding, dripping swamplands delineated in the most meticulous way.  Stark planes, often black and white, belie the swooping organic gestures and expressionist shapes.

“Many of his forms vibrate, rise and fall, and cause the viewer’s eye much exercise in following them”, noted James Mollison in Art and Australia.

But what surprises most is the sensuality of the work; as though the sharp lines and immaculate surfaces can barely contain the emotions brooding beneath.  This is the Unconscious confronted by a taut, graphic sensibility.

Download the Monkey Business (2022) catalogue essay by Helen Hughes.

Click to download a Q&A between Jane Devery and Brent Harris published August 2021 about The Stations project.

Read Brent Harris, Drawings and New Paintings exhibition catalogue (2024).

Brent Harris, ‘Drawings and New Paintings’ 16 November – 14 December 2024, installation view.
Brent Harris ‘study for Monkey Business # 8 (the walk with SH)’ 2022 -24, coloured pencil on tracing paper, 39.5 x 34.5 cm, installation view.
Brent Harris, ‘Drawings and New Paintings’ 16 November – 14 December 2024, installation view.
Brent Harris, ‘Dreamer’ 2024, oil on linen, 198 x 147 cm, installation view in ‘Drawings and New Paintings’ 16 November – 14 December 2024.
Brent Harris, ‘Dreamer’ 2024, (detail) oil on linen, 198 x 147 cm, in ‘Drawings and New Paintings’ 16 November – 14 December 2024.
Brent Harris, ‘Visitor’ 2024, oil on linen, 220 x 160 cm, installation view in ‘Drawings and New Paintings’ 16 November – 14 December 2024.
Brent Harris, ‘Visitor’ 2024, (detail) oil on linen, 220 x 160 cm, in ‘Drawings and New Paintings’ 16 November – 14 December 2024.
Brent Harris, ‘Drawings and New Paintings’ 16 November – 14 December 2024, installation view.
Brent Harris, ‘Drawings and New Paintings’ 16 November – 14 December 2024, installation view.
Brent Harris, ‘Drawings and New Paintings’ 16 November – 14 December 2024, installation view.