MICHAEL HARRIS "Cornet"

I was intrigued by the idea that one art form can be used to reveal something about another art form and ultimately about the nature of art itself. I was particularly interested in the relationship between the physical and the transcendent in the creation/experience of art. Painting is particularly suited for examining this as it embodies that apparent dichotomy even as it is revealing it in the art form I choose for my subject matter.

I began with paintings of dancers. These paintings are about the physicality of the dancer- the body, muscle, strength, focus, control etc.- coexisting with the ephemeral beauty and flow of the dance. 

Now, with the musical instrument paintings, the viewer contemplates the beauty of the physical objects - the wood, strings and brass - through which the transcendent is channelled by human touch and breath.

Bio

Michael Harris is a self-taught painter and musician from Toronto Canada. He briefly studied graphic design at George Brown College before deciding to focus on fine art and painting. Michael’s extensive travel experiences in Europe, Asia and Australia greatly influenced and informed his development as an artist. He has been involved in many successful group and solo exhibitions in Canada and overseas. 

Michael was active in Toronto’s thriving live music scene in the 1990s and early 2000s. He continues to write, record and release original music on streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music.