Apr. 16, 2018
CWU BFA Student Explores Male Identity and Insecurity in "Untitled"
What lies behind the masks of power and invulnerability? Local artist Austin Harris explores these questions in his BFA exhibition, Untitled.
An opening reception for Untitled will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on April 16 in Gallery 231 located in Randall Hall at Central Washington University. The exhibit will run through April 20.
According to Harris, Untitled explores men’s false sense of identity and insecurities “that arise from both our upbringing and surrounding members of society.”
Harris is a local Ellensburg artist that attended both Morgan Middle School and Ellensburg High School and is showing works created for his bachelor of fine arts degree at CWU.
Harris is primarily an oil painter with a focus on figurative works. Approaching his work with the use of representation and abstraction, Harris attempts to engage the viewer in the recollection of childhood memories, specifically the memories that have aided the development of the current individual’s uncertainties and feelings of self-doubt. Harris works in a large scale to bring both the work and concept closer to the viewer.
“Often times, the male is viewed and thought to feel both powerful and invulnerable, while in reality our own sense of falsehood and molded identity masks our insecurities,” Harris stated.
Harris will move to New York City after graduation to attend the New York Academy of Art to pursue his master of fine arts degree.
To view more of his work, visit AUSTINHARRISART.COM, or his Instagram account. AUSTIN_HARRIS_ART
Image attached: “Untitled”, oil and spray paint on canvas, 44” x 66”
Media Contact: Valerie Chapman-Stockwell, Public Affairs, 509-963-1518, valeriec@cwu.edu