Sarah Harper

Sarah Harper draws inspiration from living in rural New Zealand, and exploration into human behaviour and conditioning, to create paintings which are often raw and provocative. A fascination with the discordant nature of humanity has encouraged extensive research into spirituality, the complexities of emotions, and relationships - ideas which play out in her paintings. Interest in social justice, feminism, inter-connectivity, surroundings and the celebration of the underdog are also recurrent themes.

Harper works in series, creating multiple paintings simultaneously. Her recent works are large in scale with a limited palette. They combine elements of discomfort and spirituality, using and repeating motifs placed in simplified landscapes.

Sarah Harper is a painter based in Diamond Harbour, Canterbury. She has been exhibiting since 1988 and is largely self taught. Solo exhibitions include Come take a walk with me (2016) ,and Fourteen (2015), XCHC, Christchurch; Still / Life (2013) , Ashburton Art Gallery. Selected group shows include Kaleidiscope World (2017), First Thursdays, Christchurch; Upfront (2015) Chambers 241, Christchurch ; Paper Works (2014) Chambers 241 @ The Colombo, Christchurch.

Sarah was selected as a finalist in the Zonta Ashburton Female Art Awards, 2018, and the Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Award in 2012 and 2014.