Harry Sudman

Over the past few years my work has thematically been inspired by the contemporary urban environment that I live in. The paintings have ranged from street culture to body art to alternative fashion. Sometimes they overlap. The following is the artist statement from a recent solo exhibition:

“We live in a society where appearance plays a role in how we are perceived. People are attracted, judged or simply ignored by what they choose to wear and whom they associate with.

The question of what is considered mainstream and what is on the edge of cultural acceptance is something I try to explore and have some fun with through my artwork.

My recent paintings explore how style and fashion evoke reaction. One’s eye is drawn to the subject by its iconology while the monochrome background allows it to be the center of attention. It is the color in the background and the placement of the various panels that create the environment and motion. The work, whether one feels it to be positive or negative, is meant to be confrontational. This is enhanced by the realistic painting technique I use. In the end, it is up the viewer to assign meaning according to his or her own personal attitude”.

In the late 1970’s I studied under master painter Patrick Betaudier at the Atelier Neo Medici in Paris. I mastered traditional realistic technique which has been a springboard to a variety of styles that can be seen on this site.

I presently exhibit my work at 33 Contemporary Gallery in Chicago and Parlor Gallery in Asbury Pk. NJ. In the past I have exhibited internationally at “F.I.A.C “ at the Grande Palais in Paris, Art Expo Chicago, Gallery Ravel in Soho and others.

This site also shows examples of large scale projects commissioned by Wheaton College, Commerzbank of Germany, Hyatt Hotels and others.

Harry Sudman