L’Abbaye. 2019. J.Harms. Acrylic on paper. 48x63cm.
Early this year, my sister and I went to visit Royaumont Abbey. As is my habit in my work, I am constantly on the look out for a certain bouquet of lines in all things or places I see or go through. At Royaumont, what I thought was striking were the very tall trees bordering each side of the path leading to the Abbey. I especially liked their reflection in the water too, and the peaceful atmosphere.
Boat behind the window. 2019. J.Harms. Acrylic on paper. 48x63cm.
I recently (re)-visited Rye in Sussex. At first I thought about painting a couple streetscapes, Tudor style buildings and all, but for some reason my eye was more interested in the decorated windows of the old city. I usually let a couple months go by before revisiting my pictures, but with “B” day coming up, I feel a sense of foreboding in the air. This particular window with the boat, turns out to be more than that. A boat is a strong symbol of freedom, but this one is stuck behind a window…
House caught in a web. 2018. J.Harms. Acrylic on canvas. 38x46cm.
The more I dwell on my “American journey” the more I realise how the paintings resulting from my visit last May in the town of Beloit, where I used to spend summers of my childhood, are turning into little satires, with a whift of symbolism attached to them. I usually like to play along with the titles of my paintings. Many have double meanings, I believe it helps those looking at my art to see all the layers, but I usually stay clear of incorporating politics and morals into my work. I don’t wish to give lessons. However, it seems that the older I get, the more these “questions” seem to want to show up now and then. Sometimes, artists are like barometers of society’s health and well-being. Through their work, one will experience the emotional sounds of the moment. well, there you go. Can one of you spot the spider ?
I’m happy to announce that I will be exhibiting again at the Grand Salon D’Art Abordable in Paris in the beginning of November. This is the French twist to the affordable Art Fairs of the world. I will be showing some of my new works.
Bull in the yard. 2018. J.Harms. Acrylic on canvas. 50×65 cm. (Private collection.)
A small satire of the U.S of A.
An annual event I enjoy participating to. If you happen to pass by the area come and have a look. The Eglise Saint Pierre is stunning, and the Art is quite nice too.
Attention aux cactus. 2018. J.Harms. 81×100 cm. Acrylic on canvas.
I was contacted a couple weeks ago by an artist whom I exhibited with last year. She is currently organizing a show in a Parisian gallery and has kindly asked me to participate. The theme for the show is “tropical dream” . Having never been to the Islands, And having absolutely no paintings resembling the theme, I decided to roam the Jardin d’Auteuil in Paris. Those of you that watch the tennis will know that Roland Garros’ courts are right across the street from those extraordinary greenhouses. The main one, resembling a little crystal palace, was closed for maintenance. It held the palm trees which I intended to paint at first. Walking around the gardens to the other smaller greenhouses, I came across the one housing the cacti. Beware of the cacti.
