Capturing Cardiff corners - The inspirational works of artist Harry Holland
Born in Glasgow in 1941, esteemed artist Harry Holland is widely regarded as one of Britain’s finest figurative artists. He spent his childhood in various parts of the UK, settling in London in 1949. Holland studied at St. Martin’s School of Art, with his first exhibition taking place in 1969, before moving on to teach at Coventry College of Art, as well as in Hull and Stourbridge. He moved to the Cardiff School of Art in 1973, making the city his permanent home, and by 1978, following the purchase of his work by the collector Charles Saatchi, he was able to commit his career solely to painting. During the 1980s Holland exhibited in Paris, Brussels and New York, and achieved great commercial and critical successes from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Toronto to Rome, Barcelona, Athens and Vienna. His works have been shown at the Abermarle and Jill George Galleries in London, and he now exhibits regularly at the Martin Tinney
Gallery in Cardiff, where he has had several one man shows.
His works are distinct, drawing on a variety of inspirations whilst utilising classical
techniques. His realist style is influenced by study of the old masters, in particular Titian and Velazquez. Some of his pictures contain conscious references to these early works, such as the frequent use of a mirror as a device within his compositions. The precision of his work is also classical in its nature, and while his themes of still life, mythology and
the nude are heavily influenced by the art of the past, his paintings reflect an entirely contemporary understanding. Holland’s paintings are often complex in their aspect; seeming to tell a story, or implying part of a story, that falls a little beyond the boundaries of the picture itself. Very little is implicit, with the viewer given ample autonomy to personalise their perspective of a given piece. A notable aspect of his figurative work is that his subjects often seem to be in transition, poised on the edge
of furniture, in a doorway, or on a staircase. Their transient nature serves to further open their possible interpretation, adding to the enigma of the work, and the questions it raises within the viewer.
Space within his paintings is also manipulated in such as way as to suggest, mystery, uncertainty, a secretive impression of a person, place, or even an inanimate object, that implies undisclosed meaning, and necessitates further enquiry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Holland created portraits of key workers, in recognition of the vital role of the National Health Service. One of the paintings was donated to Cardiff and Vale University Health Board’s Arts for Health and Wellbeing programme and Holland explained that this was his way of saying thank you to the people who had cared for him since childhood and, most recently, had saved his life. Anthemion Auctions in Cardiff have sold many of Holland’s works over their twentyseven years of auctioneering in the capital. Their enigmatic and timeless nature, together with the sheer artistic prowess of the artist, means that they often command high prices. A striking pair of paintings featuring Cardiff scenes is to be offered in their forthcoming Fine Art Sale.
The paintings depict municipal buildings in Cardiff, as well as a deserted street corner. At first glance strikingly simple, they are both technically skilful and eerily absorbing. Anthemion are accepting entries for all future auctions, and can be contacted with any enquiries on 029 2047 2444 or auction@anthemionauctions.com