Description
This new publication explores the art and career of the American printmaker, painter, designer and illustrator Charley Harper (1922–2007).
Harper’s iconic depictions of animals have long enjoyed robust appreciation among nature lovers and aficionados of mid-century modern furnishings, which they exquisitely complement. A longtime resident of Cincinnati, Harper developed his “minimal realism”, as he referred to his style, in the 1940s and 50s, stripping down nature to its essential characteristics in elegant, engaging, vividly coloured designs that breathe life and personality. Harper was an indefatigable worker who transformed an array of drawings, collages, and paintings into his beloved screen prints, book illustrations and posters. An ardent advocate of wildlife conservation and climate activism, Harper has been the favourite artist of nature organizations across the United States, including the National Park Service and the Audubon Society, for whom he designed eye-catching illustrations and posters.
Front cover: Charley Harper; Scary Scenario, 2006; color screen print on paper; image 25 × 22 in. (63.5 × 55.9 cm); sheet 29 × 26 in. (73.7 × 66 cm); Collection of Brett Harper. © Charley Harper, all rights reserved
Edited by Julie Aronson
Contributions by Brett Harper, Michael Bierut, Sarah Archer and Julie Zickefoose
Author biographies
Julie Aronson is curator of American Paintings, Sculpture, and Drawings at Cincinnati Art Museum, OH
Brett Harper is the artist’s son and president of the Charley Harper Art Studio, OH
Michael Bierut is a leading graphic designer, teacher and writer
Sarah Archer is a leading expert on design and material culture
Julie Zickefoose is a writer, artist and naturalist
Table of Contents
- Foreword by Cameron Kitchin
- Introduction and Acknowledgements by Nathaniel M. Stein
- Plates: Early Work, 1967–1970
- Chronology by Charlotte Ogorek
- Plates: Self-Portraiture, 1970–1978
- Secrets of My Power: The Photographs of Nancy Rexroth by Nathaniel M. Stein
- Plates: IOWA, 1970–1976
- Three Studies: Ohio University, Transparencies, Platinum Printing by Molly Kalkstein
- Plates: SX-70 Transfer, 1979–1982
- IOWA in New York by John Rohrbach
- Plates: House Series and Empty Art Rooms, 2000–2004
- Selected Artist Statements by Nancy Rexroth
- Exhibition History by Charlotte Ogorek
- Notes to the Reproductions
- Selected Bibliography
- Index
