Description
In City in the Rain, this evocative oil painting on canvas, measuring 60x120cm, captures the poignant moment of solitude amidst the bustling life of the city. A lone figure walks through the rain, an ambarella in hand, while the city lights reflect beautifully on the water that has pooled on the ground. The use of pastel blues and browns creates a sense of nostalgia, with the shadows perfectly executed to imbue the scene with emotional weight. The viewer is drawn into the painting, feeling a connection to the solitary figure and the environment that envelops him. Rain typically evokes emotions of melancholy, yet here, it also suggests a cleansing and renewal, mirroring the complexities of urban life. Harris intricately weaves a narrative that speaks to both solitude and the vibrancy of city existence.
James Harris is a South African artist whose oil paintings stir something quiet and deep within the viewer. Known for their moody light and atmospheric quality, his works seem to breathe on the wall, inviting a moment of stillness. Inspired by the old masters yet entirely his own, James blends impressionistic brushwork with a raw emotional depth that speaks to the soul.
He describes his style as vaguely impressionistic but his portraits and figures go beyond likeness. They capture presence and feeling in a way that feels sculptural, intimate and timeless. After studying Fine Arts at Pro Arte in Pretoria, James spent time in Ireland where a meeting with art dealer Aymon Klein opened doors to commissioned equine pieces. Back in South Africa, he continued his studies at Natal Technikon and refined his understanding of form during a bronze casting apprenticeship working on pieces by renowned artists including William Kentridge and Deborah Bell.
With more than 20 years of painting behind him, James has grown into a master of mood and nuance. His work does more than decorate a space, it connects with it and with the people who stand before it.
Artist: James Harris (SA1980)
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