Harry Holland: Iconic British Figurative Painter

September 24, 2024 at 4:15 pm 1 comment

Harry Holland

born in 1941 in Glasgow, Scotland.  (83 years old).
Nationality: British
Occupation: Painter, draughtsman, printmaker and teacher.
Influenced by: Holland’s work is influenced by various art movements and artists, including the hyper-realist tradition and classical still life painting. Harry Holland has been influenced by classical art and the techniques of the Old Masters, in particular the work of Titian and Velazquez. He admired the work of the 19th-century French painter William-Adolphe Bourguereau.
Movements: Contemporary Figurative art,  Hyperrealism, Metamodernism.
Styles: Holland is known for his hyper-realistic style, particularly in still life and figurative painting. His style is distinctive,  immediately recognisable and characterized by precise,  detailed and lifelike representations of subjects. The paintings are suggestive in the sense that they imply situations, events, or relationships that are not directly expressed; this imbues them with an engaging sense of mystery.
The way Holland plays with the visual space adds an air of enigma and tension to the work.  His contemporaneity is based on the study of classical values but also is seen as reflecting a wholly contemporary sensibility. 

Subjects: His subjects often include still-life compositions, human figures, and everyday objects, rendered with meticulous detail.
Holland’s subjects often include mythological themes, nudes, and portraits. He is known for his ability to capture the human form with great accuracy and emotion. Harry incorporates motifs such as mythology and pathos to imbue his work with an enigmatic timelessness.
Genres: Primarily still life and figurative art, with a focus on realism.
Mediums: Holland works mainly with oil paints but also utilizes drawing and printmaking techniques.
Unique distinction: Harry Holland is considered one of Britain’s leading figurative painters. He is distinguished by his mastery of light and shadow, creating a sense of realism and depth that is both captivating and timeless. His works are celebrated for their technical excellence and emotional depth.
Achievements and the main contribution to Art: Holland is known for significant contributions to contemporary British and world art. He has exhibited widely across the UK and internationally, with his works included in prestigious collections such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Family background:
Holland was born in 1941 in Glasgow, Scotland. He spent his childhood in various parts of the UK settling in London in 1949. In 1973 he moved to Cardiff where he lives and paints today.
Education background:
Holland initially attempted to study at Wimbledon College of Art, which fell through because of a lack of funds. He later pursued his artistic development through self-directed study and practice. Holland attended a commercial college and from 1965-69 he trained at St. Martin’s School of Art where he first exhibited in 1969.
Professional work experience:
1969: First exhibited his work.
1973: Moved to Cardiff, where he continues to live and work.
Holland has been a part of various art organizations and has held teaching positions, contributing to the education of future artists. He taught at Chelsea Community Centre, Coventry College of Art until 1972, at a series of art schools in the Midlands, then at Cardiff College of Art, 1974–8, when he left to paint full-time.
Since the 1970s he has had over 30 solo exhibitions and figured in countless group exhibitions worldwide.
Holland began to show with the Nicholas Treadwell Gallery, then the Ian Birksted Gallery in 1983, the Thumb Gallery in 1986 and later the Jill George Gallery.
Holland has had numerous solo exhibitions and his works are in many prestigious galleries, and corporate and private collections worldwide:
Tate Gallery, London; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; European Parliament Collection; National Museum of Wales; British Museum, London
Belgian National Collection; Heineken Collection, Amsterdam; Newport Museum and Art Gallery; Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge; Contemporary Arts Society
National Portrait Gallery, Canada; Morningside Gallery, Edinburgh;
Senate of the Italian Republic, Palazzo Madama, Rome and also:
2014, Bernaducci Meisel Gallery, New York;
2015, Martin Tinney Gallery, Cardiff;
2018 “Models”, Matrin Tinney Gallery, Cardiff;
2019 “Whats the story”, Fidra fine art, Edinburgh.
Personal life: His long-term residence in Cardiff indicates a stable personal life possibly intertwined with the local art community.
Personality traits, Hobbies, interests: Holland is known for his dedication and to his craft. He often exhibits traits such as creativity and a passion for teaching others. His interests likely include exploring various artistic techniques and engaging with other artists within the contemporary art community.
Website: https://harry-holland.com/

Entry filed under: Figurative Art, Metamodernism, Painting in Contemporary Art. Tags: Contemporary Art, Figurative Art, Painting.