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Review from:
Latitude 45
5166 Clark, Suite 5
Montreal, P.Q. H2T 2T9
276-2694
I have made a stab at writing about Les Harris' work, which I
did immediately after leaving. I believe it was written on July
2 on the plane from New York to Montreal. I will transcribe from
my notes.
The paintings are the transfiguration of the art of the past which
re-establish the art of the present in a historical perspective.
It is a journey up the mountain in the history of art with visibility
both backwards and forwards in time.
The project is post-modern in conception in its efforts to bring
the past into the present and to transcend the past through assuming
it so totally in the present moment. It declares that 'any future
art must start here." In fact it is future art. It is post-modern
also in its sense of design and colour. Three dimensional surfaces
and molded canvasses add to the elaboration of post-modern ideas.
Elements of design and decoration are integral to the work.
The conflict of spirit and natural world and the synergy of bringing
them together are present throughout the work. In some cases this
antithesis is graphically evident as in the work in the medieval
period with the spirit world floating over the natural world of
fortress and forest. In others it is structural like the coliseum
with concave and conves (non-natural) perspectives simultaneously.
In others (the baby doll hanging from the tableau paralleling
the cherub) it is almost satiric.
The creation of unifying themes decade by decade in the Nineteenth
Century and the arbitrary imposition of a structural development
(the canvases decrease in relief with each decade) show an artificial
and intentional manipulation of the [as for theoretical ends,
betraying the intellectual power of integrity of the project.
The recreation of mixed tableaus in each decade, each with particular
character is particularly successful.
The juxtaposition of structure and detail with the willful subjectivity
of the project as well as the daring colours and the use of three-dimensionality
gives this project total voice, a broad intelligence and imagination
and right-left brain equilibrium, which are intellectually satisfying.
Sensually, the work is stimulating and varied leaving a great
deal of satisfaction.
This work should be seen in the context of its gallery or a similar
arrangement and the use of music, even anachronistic music, for
each epoch is a valuable addition underscoring a sense of character
and identity, which is integral to the nature of the undertaking.
I don't know if I can say more... except that I found the visit
to Les' gallery deeply affecting.
Barbara Scales
Montreal |
