It’s been 4 years since Steven Harvey’s last solo show.
The excitement and anticipation has been immense.
Why the excitement, because I have no doubt he is the artist of his generation.
Why so long, because Harvey exhibits when he is ready.
He wants to keep evolving and time is that conduit. It would have been so easy to continue with his Coastal Walk paintings that flew off the wall. That was of no interest. Harvey always wants to push the envelope. Hours of thought, studies, transformation and the work may or may not be ready. Nothing is seen by anyone unless it is 'cooked'.
These large works, with their simple marks and interesting colours talk to each other. Tranquillity or chaos?
What I do know is that Steven Harvey’s work can sit beside anyone, Agnes Martin, Brice Marden, Philip Guston, Clifford Still or Jackson Pollack.
You don’t have to understand. He doesn’t need you to, you just have to explore your own thoughts and enjoy.
Understanding Harvey takes time, he is a 'painter’s painter', a collector’s artist. He does not crave popularity or the entrapments of success, respect is enough.
I believe history will show Steven Harvey is not only the artist of his generation, but an artist that will be spoken in the same breath as Tuckson or Fairweather or Colin McCahon. Had he been born in the States or Europe, his name would already be in lights.
It matters not, this show will be a watershed. A watershed for Australian Art.
Come and see it.
You will not be disappointed, hopefully in this troubled world you will leave happier than when you entered.
James Erskine
