top of page

NEW Oil Paintings, 2022-Present: The World Without Us

ARTIST’S STATEMENT: The World Without Us

Last edited 2023.10.26


My current body of work depicts colorful, kaleidoscopic scenes of post-human environments where the landscape has begun the process of “re-wilding.” This series was originally inspired by the 2007 book by Alan Weisman, The World Without Us, where the author describes- in great deal- a hypothetical world free from human intervention. The work has been deeply influenced by my interest and participation in environmental efforts as well as my professional work as a scenic artist for theatre, tv and museums.

Each painting is constructed from scrap muslin and lumber offcuts from past projects and often utilizes leftover scenic paint. The palette and underpainting are derived from used stir sticks that I have been collecting for several years. Sometimes I’ll even incorporate dried paint that has been peeled from mixing buckets. Whenever possible I allow myself to be inspired by materials that I already have on-hand and/or have salvaged.

The imagery that is woven through each scene is usually taken directly from or inspired by my own travels and adventures through nature and is layered in a way reminiscent of a theatrical set. The painting embodies elements of organic development, chance occurrences, and deliberate fabrication and manipulation, celebrating nature and wilderness while helping to keep excess materials out of landfills. The viewer is invited to suspend their own disbelief and imagine themselves in an entirely new world.
 

Contact me  for purchase inquiries.

2023.10.25.jpg
The World Without Us: Ghost of a Chance
17 x 17" oil and latex on scenic muslin
2023
2023.10.25.jpg
The World Without Us: End Days (Every Other Wednesday)
12 x 12" oil and latex on reclaimed wood panel
2023
2023.10.25.jpg
The World Without Us: Soft Passages
17 x 17" oil and latex on scenic muslin
2023
2023.10.25.jpg
The World Without Us: Cadillac Mountain
17 x 17" oil and latex on scenic muslin
2023
2023.10.25 URBAN LANDSCAPING.jpg
The World Without Us: Urban Landscaping
12 x 12" oil and latex on reclaimed wood panel
2023
2023.10.25 02.jpg
The World Without Us: As the Sun Drips Down
8 x 8" oil and latex on scenic muslin
2023
2023.10.25 MINNEAPOLIS.jpg
The World Without Us: Minneapolis
12 x 12" oil and latex on scenic muslin
2023
2023.10.25 EARTH DAY.jpg
The World Without Us: Earth Day
10 x 10" oil and latex on scenic muslin
2023
2023.03.28 FOX HOLE.jpg
2022.06.15 BACKYARD OASIS.jpg
2022.06 JANUARY THAW.jpg
2022.06 RE-EMERGING.jpg
IN PROGRESS 01_edited.jpg
The World Without Us: Nowhere to Be
14 x 14"  oil, latex and peeled paint on scenic muslin
2023

The World Without Us: Backyard Oasis

16 x 16" oil and latex on scenic muslin

2022

The World Without Us: January Thaw

17 x 17" oil and latex on scenic muslin

2022

The World Without Us: Re-Emerging-sold

12 x 12" oil and latex on scenic muslin

2022

The World Without Us: Silent Night

8 x 8" oil and latex on scenic muslin

2022

Circle.jpg

ERICA HARNEY, ARTIST

Original + Custom Paintings, Murals + Scenery

bottom of page