Saturday, December 18, 2010

Retro Harkrader / Editorial Cartoon Detail

Harkrader's early editorial cartoon, "A Far Out Look At Ourselves". The symbolic language from top-left to bottom right is as follows. A space capsule circling the moon, space trash in the form of a can of Tang floating in space, the eye of God shedding a tear, a comet en-route to the earth, an iconic atomic symbol as a planet, the black sun, a bulldozer gouging the environment of North America, a satellite communicating with a polluted city scape and spy in the Canadian mountain peaks, an power sub-station feeding the electrical grid around the world, an up periscope in the North Atlantic, a UFO hovering above the Pacific, a spy observing the launch of a space rocket in Asia, a spy observing underground nuclear missiles silo in South America, an atomic bomb and oil platforms in Europe and Russia, aerial bombing in the South Pacific, a large screw exploring the center of the earth's core, more space trash, a sputnik, and more environmental damage in the Anartica...gasp...gasp. Title and signed by the artist, 'Chico'. (circa 1974.)
An appropriate poem by Judi Stout reads as follows: spastic, plastic, systemic confusion; energized, supervised, calculated illusion; erected, inspected, rejected protrusion; institute, prostitute, instant prosecution; near the beginning, close to ending.....judi stout. Do you remember that one Judi?  

Retro Harkrader / Editorial Cartoon

A page from the New River Community College Student Newspaper, dated February 15, 1974 exhibits one of Harkrader's early editorial cartoons titled "A Far Out Look At Ourselves". Surrounded by stories about Nixon's Watergate and early struggles of the Women's Movement and/or the ERA (Equal Rights Administration), this paper represents a blast from the past in journalism, one of Harkrader's classes at the time. More detail of image and content in the next entry above.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Philadelphia Exhibit History

Philadelphia Exhibit History 2009 / Harkrader' s work was represented at edge gallery once located in the 'Olde City' neighborhood of the Center City know for the Betsy Ross House, William Penn, Elfreth's Alley, dive bars and art/design galleries. The gallery, now closed, whose proprietor now operates as an agent for Harkrader. Contact information may be found at Harkrader's website, www.harkraderX.com.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Communion

Communion = In common sharing.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Detail / Floral Object Assembly

Detail of 'Communion': Floral composition / found object assembly. This Harkrader composition consist of an open-faced cordless handset (communication) that is embellished with crystals, glass and metal, all residing on the face of the motherboard of the cordless instrument. Symbolic of communication, hence; communion, which may be interpreted as a means of contact with the supernatural, a higher being, a celebration of the body of Christ, humanity, and ourselves as we 'talk to ourselves' when no one else will listen. This composition is symbolic, elegant, feminine, urban and delicate.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Acqua di Fiori Essenziale Now Exhibiting at Signature 9 Gallery

Acqua di Fiori Essenziale (Essence of the Water Flower)
Harkrader's new painting from his 'Corolla' series is now exhibiting at the Signature 9 Gallery.
Mixed media and medium on Canvas
60 inches x 48 inches



Friday, December 3, 2010

Dance of Origin / Finale

Oh yeah!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Dance of Origin / Detail 2

Dance of Origin / Detail 2 exhibits elements of the lower right canvas face where it becomes very clear about the stringed instrument qualities of this lyrical canvas. The bridge and the bridge springs anchor the fibers (strings) that traverse across the iconic 'sound hole'. The 'hole' is an excavation of sorts embedded with sand. Inside the excavation live the symbolic sperm and ovum, symbolic of the union of male and female or the Roman god and goddess, Mars and Venus. In the context of plant sexuality, Christian Sprengel defined this as 'the revealed secret of nature' (1700's). Like a seed germinating below earth, the embryonic seed sprouts upward seeking light to leaf and fruit.