Sylvia Harris was one of those artist who brought a unique contribution to contemporary art.
Born in 1925, she moved from the UK to Paris in the 50s to follow her passion and studying art with the French abstract artist Francis Bott and later, in England at the Sir John Cass School of Art and Middlesex Polytechnic. She then started a period of travelling around the world looking for inspiration and developing her skills. After a few years in New York and Israel she eventually settled in London. It is here that Harris was inspired by David Bomberg and Frank Auerbach and found her major influence, devoting herself to drawing and painting.
Harris is a rare artist, who belongs to the group, including Van Gogh, whose work was not appreciated until after their death. In fact, Harris’ works were difficult for society of her time to appreciate, maybe because of her subjects or her technique, so distinctive and unique, which stood apart from the rest. It is only in the last few years that Harris has finally received the merit she deserves.
Harris’ works have now been exhibited in the most important galleries in the UK, including the Whitechapel Art Gallery, Ben Uri Art Gallery, The Business Design Centre, the Islington Demurray Feeley Gallery and the Banqueting House, Whitehall. One of her works is also now exhibited at the Chianciano Art Museum in Italy.