Connor Harrington: Malum Discodiae

Connor Harrington: Saturnalia

Conor Harrington’s solo exhibition
‘SAID THE HERO TO THE THIEF’
at the Lazarides Gallery Newcastle
2 May – 31 May 2008

SAID THE HERO TO THE THIEF opening on 2 May 2008 at Lazarides Gallery will showcase new works by Conor Harrington.

Following on from his solo show at Lazarides Gallery in London, WEEKEND WARRIORS, this new series of work heralds a new way of working, while maintaining Harrington’s signature style. Entirely abstract in form and content, the work explores the surface of the canvas as a backdrop for adventurous marks, trademark drips and brightly coloured strikes. Harrington’s working method – a meticulous yet energetic process that produces a combination of drawn, painted and sprayed marks across the canvas is engaged and, in its manifestation, engaging. From his previous London show Weekend Warriors, the small 'Battle' series, abstract oil and aerosol paintings on paper led the way for the development of a new all-abstract body of work. What remains after removing his figurative centre piece is a cacophony of marks and tags and a burst of energy more real than the realism represented before. Raw, visceral and orgiastic, the looseness of the works shows the chaos of the urban environment. Taking over, rubbing out and stamping your presence on the streets, these works are a direct engagement with the act of graffiti.

In Malum Discodiae (illustrated up), cobalt blue stripes slice through the centre of the energetic, darting tags beneath. Layer upon layer of harmonious paints and sprays form a diverse but solid whole. Each element jostles for space and draws the viewer in deeper and deeper. In Saturnalia (illustrated down), the trademark white and red flash makes an appearance, as a lance striking through the splashes and scrapes of more muted tones. Sideways drips rush towards the edge, while crazy spirals uncover new smatterings of surface colour.

Harrington continues his dialogue between opposing elements, drawing a parallel between contemporary urban culture and the original street invaders in a sumptuous riot of paint and energy. Command, conquer and feast.

Harrington lives in London and has exhibited in various solo and group shows across the United Kingdom as well as internationally. Solo exhibitions include Weekend Warriors, Lazarides Gallery, London (2007), Represent!, Tigh Fili, Cork (2004) and Quiet Riot, Stolen Space, London (2006). Group shows include Stench, Lazarides Gallery, London (2006) and BMG AA, BLK/MRKT Gallery, LA (2007). For this show, Harrington will also be working on-site on installation pieces in the basement space. Lazarides Newcastle is delighted to present this new series of fresh, exciting works by Conor Harrington.