David Harrison, Graffiti Disc Modules #1, n.d., found graffiti on paper, courtesy of the artist
Pal·imp·sest
September 2024 – August 2026
David Harrison’s solo exhibition Pal·imp·sest references a noun describing something that features a new layer, aspect, or appearance – which builds on its past and allows us to see or perceive parts of this past. We can delve into the dynamic intersections of urban decay, layered time, and compositional play through David Harrison’s vibrant series of graffiti palimpsests, which offer an abstract and lively exploration of hidden histories within the cracks and crevices of our urban environments.
Each piece in this exhibition emerges out of a meticulous time-based process. Over the course of many years, urban graffiti is repeatedly painted over by city contractors with layers and layers of plasticized paint, which eventually deteriorates and falls away – providing Harrison with a detritus of thin sheet material to resourcefully harvest and incorporate into his artwork. Using this unique material, Harrison punches out geometrical shapes and then draws upon compositional techniques of rhythm and repetition to present a meditation on the passage of time and multi-layered experiences.
In Palimpsest, Harrison’s punched-out geometric relics are imbued with layers of urban origin stories and a playful contemplation of decay and renewal. Highlighting the bold colours and subtle textures of the graffiti material in each composition, the artist’s cadenced abstractions offer viewers an opportunity to trace various time-related concepts such as phases, intermissions, and continuity.
Curated by Ash Slemming.
Touring from the Alberta Society of Artists, TREX Southwest
Artist Bio
David Harrison is an art educator trained in the British arts and crafts tradition. After teaching in London he emigrated to Canada where he earned an MA from the University of Calgary and worked for the Calgary Board of Education as art teacher, art consultant, gifted program teacher and fine arts department head. He has worked for the Universities of Calgary and Lethbridge as a sessional instructor. He also worked in the United States as a faculty consultant to the College Board in the Advanced Placement Studio Art Program. An elected member of the Alberta Society of Artists, the Society of Canadian Artists, and the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour, David has been successful in having work accepted into national and international juried exhibitions as well as juried travelling exhibitions. He has won national and International awards. He attended two Emma Lake workshops and is an active supporter of Calgary Urban Sketchers. David is an experienced awards, exhibition and membership juror and is frequently called upon to critique work of groups and individuals. He also mentors individual artists. His work is represented by The Collectors’ Gallery, located in Calgary.