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, ‘Appalling Moment’ 1994, charcoal and collage paper elements on paper 97 x 81 cm, installation view 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, ‘The Return’ 2024, oil on linen, 101 x 81 cm, installation view in ‘Drawings and New Paintings’ 16 November – 14 December 2024.
Brent Harris, ‘study for Cottage #2’ 2024, gouache, coloured pencil and oil on paper, 61.5 x 62 cm, installation view in ‘Drawings and New Paintings’ 16 November – 14 December 2024.
Brent Harris, ‘study for Cottage #2’ 2024, gouache, coloured pencil and oil on paper, 61.5 x 62 cm, installation view in ‘Drawings and New Paintings’ 16 November – 14 December 2024.
Brent Harris, ‘study for Grotesquerie (no.2)’ 2001, coloured pencil on paper, 89.5 x 55 cm, installation view 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, ‘study for Touched 2022, charcoal and coloured pencil on paper, 62 x 52 cm, installation view in ‘Drawings and New Paintings’ 16 November – 14 December 2024.