About

Harriet Owles (b.1998, Suffolk, UK)

Her work is a confluence of Figuration and Geometric Abstraction, from Italian Renaissance to Contemporary figuration; Bauhaus to Hard-Edge and its intertwines into early Minimalism. She composes her expressive figural elements into geometric forms, exploring this unique relationship between her composition and emotional expression. She invites the viewer to contemplate the intersection of form and meaning within each artwork.

She pays great attention to the materiality of her work, from paints soaking through to the depths of the canvas fibres to impasto reaching off the surface, and light reflecting off the glossy surface to the deepest absorbent matt. She has a notebook that she dubbed her ‘Painting Bible’ which is full of all her fascinations with paint. A recipe book so to speak, “Once I find a recipe I like, I give it a name: Jelly Impasto, icing Impasto, beach Impasto, looking-glass glaze, Diamond Varnish. I use these recipes to create a feast of tactile perception on the canvas.”

Harriet draws inspiration from various sources including Bauhaus Gestalt Psychology and her experience as a filmmaker, looking at costumes, and colour schemes. She’s playing with all these elements on the canvas to create an emotional sensation. But in the end, she considers all these elements as a unified whole.“To me, my work is about how we perceive the world around us as unified wholes rather than as disconnected parts – the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Content Warning

The content on this website may contain themes and materials that some users find distressing or offensive. Further, the content on this website may not be suitable for individuals under the age of 18. User discretion is advised.

Any views and opinions expressed in this student profile represent the views and opinions of the student and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Royal College of Art or its employees or affiliates. The appearance of any views or opinions on this page do not constitute endorsement of those views by the Royal College of Art. This student profile has been made available for informational purposes only. The Royal College of Art does not make any representations or warranties with regard to the accuracy of any information provided in this student profile, nor does it warrant the performance, effectiveness or applicability of any listed or linked sites. The Royal College of Art is not responsible for the content submitted by any user, or for the defamatory, offensive or illegal conduct of any user. If you wish to report any errors or inappropriate material that may cause offence, please email feedback@rca.ac.uk 

To opt out >