On Alison Harper and her Christmas Sale/ Exhibition
By JD St. Claire (November 23rd, 2014)
“It’s like an exhibition of one’s life work. So many pieces and so much to enjoy. Wonderful.” Giovanni Georgis
I travelled across London town to Bethnal Green for what was billed as a Christmas Art Sale only find that once again Alison Harper had delivered an outstanding exhibition of drawings, paintings and prints; many of which have never previously been shown in public.
At the centre of all this was an astonishing collection of 70-80 life drawings gracing the walls and tables. Drawings that attest to Alison’s sheer inventiveness, expressiveness and quality of line. It made for an enthralling collection. Given that in recent years drawing, as a study of art, has been neglected in art schools, it is indeed rare to come across good life drawings. This collection is indicative of Alison’s deep exploration of life drawing; making it an expressive vehicle and not just a dry study of form.
The show was interactive, and a hit across the ages, with a number of young people taking part in the drawing and painting sessions that formed part of the exhibition. The constant flow of people to the exhibition (even with Sunday’s miserable weather) was a testament to Alison’s work and to the attraction of being in her company. I have over the years been privileged to be in her company listening …
“Drawing and painting for me is not just about representation, it is about a quality of attention, of being as truthful, emotionally connected and as present as you can possibly be in the moment. For me it is important to try to maintain throughout the creative process that concentration, that heightened awareness that will give the work power and intensity and that will produce the most honest and inventive equivalents of expression and feeling.” Alison Harper on drawing and painting.
A little bird has just told me that Alison intends to compile a book of drawings. The book will also include some her writings on her approaches to drawing. If what I saw in this exhibition is anything to go by, then, that book will be a must read for anyone interested in the nude form.
By the way Giovanni’s words… hit the nail on the head.
