John Harper

Concepts Through the use of photography I explore aspects of visual perception more commonly associated with sculpture or filmic media. Over 30 years of practice my work has involved, painting, sculpture large scale photoworks and installation. Present concerns are the relationship between the evidential nature of photography and the subjectivity of perception. The progression of my work may best be followed by referring to a number of exhibitions. Serpentine Sculpture 73; Friutmarket Gallery solo show 77 (Physical Drawing); Chapter Arts solo show 82 (Figurative); Photographers Gallery solo show 86 (From Time to Time); Barbican solo show 93 (The River); Photo 98 solo show at the Mappin Gallery (From Light) and Ferens Gallery solo show 2000 (Strand). These show the key changes in the work. For me photography is an agent, not a form. I dislike the label 'photographer'. My work is conceptually based and references are made to the land, interior space and the figure. I see the 'matter of life' as my material. Recent and current projects (EMAC bursary 'Landmarks' ) centre on perceptual contact with the land. This work will be published in book form in late 2003. Other bookworks include ' Catchment ' published 77 and 'The River' published 93.Influences My influences come from a wide range of visual arts activity aspects of painting, sculpture, filmic work are all reflected and referenced to in my work. I employ an interest in visual perception and make reference to a range of artists whose work reflects similar interest or employment. The land, the figure and interior are my sources and I have theoretical interest in the history and the contemporary context of this range of subject and content.Career path I was trained as a painter, exhibited as a sculptor and am now associated with the use of photography and related media. As an artist, I hate confining labels. In addition to my formal art education I have been involved in various programmes of study relating to ... film, video and electronic media. I have worked within theatre and film and have collaborated with contemporary dance groups (eg LCD, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem). These collaborations have involved the fusion of photo/film and performance. I am presently engaged with aspects of practice based research within fine art, collaborating with various research groups such as The landscape Research Group of Great Britain. My career has involved commissions, international exhibitions, residencies and collaborations. I have received many grants and bursaries to advance my work and I have been supported by considerable business sponsorship especially from Agfa , who have supported my projects over the last 15 years.