Nicholas Harper, an Atelier trained, award-winning artist hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, is well-versed in the art of magical realism. Drawing inspiration from Russian and Orthodox Iconography, as well as literature and philosophy, Harper's work exudes a sense of storytelling, metaphor, and allegory. His distinctive portraits of women with elongated necks are intended to transcend mere portraiture, aiming to elevate each image to the status of an archetypal symbol by distorting reality and challenging conventional ideas of beauty within the human form. These themes of divinity, the search for meaning, and inner struggles are central to his evolving artistic style.
In addition to his pursuit of the transcendent in portraiture, Harper places a strong emphasis on the concept of beauty in art. Believing that art must possess a certain beauty to resonate with the soul, he strives to infuse his work with a sense of aesthetic appeal, even when exploring darker themes. Recently, his creative exploration has led him to delve into Ambient Landscapes, known as Nocturnes, inspired by Romanticism and a desire to connect with the natural world as a source of spiritual inspiration.
Despite facing challenges early in his career, such as being ejected from an artist co-op in 1999, Harper went on to establish The Rogue Buddha Gallery, a platform for cross-disciplinary artistic expression that incorporates various art forms. Over the past two decades, he has expanded his artistic repertoire, exhibiting his work nationally and internationally, and garnering attention from publications and media outlets, including CNN. With his work collected in both private and public collections, Harper's art has gained widespread acclaim and recognition.
For those looking to add a touch of magic and symbolism to their home or office decor, prints of Nicholas Harper's captivating artwork are available for purchase. Embrace the beauty and depth of his creations by bringing a piece of his transcendent and thought-provoking art into your space.