September 7 - August 26, 2019
A solo exhibition of painting by Jennifer Harrison.
“Harrison’s trademark texture is achieved in several layers. Primed canvases are coated with a thick layer of acrylic polymer, then the wet ‘putty’ is carved into with paint scrapers, knives and brushes. A thin coat of dark paint is applied as an undercoat and finally a heavy topcoat of color. Though bright-seeming for the average home, Harrison’s colors are more accurate than they appear and are easily found throughout the city. During walks through local alleyways, samples of peeling paint are collected from garages and fences and later matched in the studio with artists’ oils. These custom pigments are prepared in large batches allowing each series to share a common, consistent palette. Through her paintings, Harrison attempts to abbreviate houses, garages and sheds to their simplest recognizable forms. Only elements distinguishable from a distance are represented: brick, siding, trim, roofs, soffits, facias, eavestroughs, windows, doors, porches. In addition to the clashes of color, historic character is expressed through a primitive use of perspective and detail, relying on the interplay of texture and shadow as a substitute for light. Snow is the easiest foundation, allowing the artist to omit trees and gardens and to focus solely on the man-made colors of the buildings. The occasional inclusion of hydro poles and laundry lines serve to accessorize the alleyways, a vague reminder of the purpose of structures and highlighting the absence of the residents. With the people, cars and greenery removed, the buildings become a strange mix of cheerful hues and haunting vacancy.”
Opening: September 7, 2019 | 7–9 pm
1510 S. Congress Ave.
Austin, 78704 TX
(512) 912-1613
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