Sam Harrison - 'Fallen 2'
Mair Gallery, 8th–25th April 2009
Following his exhibition at COCA in 2008 Sam Harrison, in this body of new work, continues his commitment to the multi-faceted potential of human form in two and three dimensions. Biblical narratives dominate Harrison’s exploration of the human condition, specifically the representation of Man’s impiety such as the moment that Adam turns from God, and the Flagellation of Christ before the cross. The gravity of the narrative is further enhanced by the dramatic effects of chiaroscuro and exposure of the human form, influenced by the Renaissance ideals but rendered in a purely 21st century manner. Drawing on greater angularity in his mark making, in Fallen II Harrison is taking away from his sculptures with the same intensity that we see in his woodblocks, creating an emphasis on line and shadow to develop drama and effect.
Harrison graduated with a Bachelor of Art and Design from the CPIT School of Art and Design in 2006. This is his fourth solo exhibition at COCA Gallery and he has work in public and private collections throughout New Zealand.