Jonathan Cooper Park Walk Gallery is delighted to present Cult Paintings, the first solo exhibition at the gallery by Harry Steen.

Inspired by classical culture, Greek and Hellenic, Harry Steen’s surreal and mysterious painted interior scenes infuse realism with the beautiful and frightening, using symbolism from these classical cultures.

Set within elaborately decorated interiors or ornate gardens, Steen’s paintings are like theatrical sets, with a single figure playing the central role. The paintings are full of atmosphere, uncertainty and suspense, as the viewer is left to question the role of each of these figures and create their own narrative around them.

As well as the influence of Balthus, Steen’s surfaces, colours, and pictorial language also point to the influence of early renaissance artists in Venice, in particular Titian, Giorgione and Bellini.

Harry Steen (B. 1977) lives and works in Calgary, Alberta. He received a BFA in Art, University of Calgary (1999-2002).