Callum Harvey

Art Rotterdam

1 – 4 February, 2024

Callum Harvey explores environments which sit within places of transition. Occupying a space between the natural and  the constructed, he often depicts magnified and flattened perceptions of idealised natural forms. Inspired by the Art  Nouveau and the British Art and Crafts movements of the late 19th and 20th centuries, Harvey practice re-evaluates the  motifs and techniques of the traditional, decorative crafts. Drawing from repeated ornamental patterns and  architectural details, he investigates how design and architecture inform spatial relations and symbolise the social  histories of buildings and interiors. Possessing the illusionary quality of trompe l’oeil muralism, the flat spatial depth of  Harvey’s canvas’ hold a space that extends past the frame. Mimicking the stylised biophilic design of wall murals and  frescos, Harvey bases his works on a mix of sources such as photography, image manipulation and paper models. This  process allows Harvey to create his own compositions that are then flattened through a transfer of medium and turned  into domestic or decorative imagery. Harvey uses the imagery of clouds to provide this flat spatial depth, creating a  oneness and unity across each of his canvas.  

Through meticulous technique and process, Harvey re-appropriates the mundane. Working with a soft colour palette of  pastel pigments, fine pencil marks and natural hues, his repeated patterns speak of the subtlety in traditional fresco  design. Built up from thin layers of transparent oil glazes, Harvey’s paintings possess a lightness ad backlit glow that  illuminates his intricate detailing . In his new body of work, Harvey’s refined painting methods are shown in conversation  with his recent material experimentations. Exploring the physical intricacies of pencil on linen, the tonal shift of paint on  unprocessed cottons, and the crafting of handmade wooden frames, the works on display are testament to the depth of  his material considerations.

Callum Harvey (b. 1998) lives and works in London. He completed his BA at Falmouth University in 2020 and received a scholarship to study for his MA at the Royal College of Art graduating in 2023. He completed a residency at Porthmeor Studios, St Ives in 2019. Harvey has recently exhibited at Art Rotterdam (2024) with Pipeline.  He also had his first solo show at Pipeline, London (2023). His work is currently being exhibited in a 3-person show at Art Works Gallery, Singapore (2024) and has been included in a number of recent group exhibitions including Kingsgate Project Space, London (2023); Safehouse, London (2023); Centre Space Gallery, Bristol (2023) and Huxley-Parlour, New York (2023).