Harlin Miller Jr, is a multidisciplinary artist born and raised in New Orleans. He is largely known for his use of composition in his black and white photography but he also experiments with dry mediums such as charcoal and graphite. With influences as diverse as Mark Rothko and Henri Cartier-Bresson, new insights are manufactured from both orderly and random discourse.
Keenly interested in the construction and complexity of the universe and the relationship between human and divine design, which are key themes of the work he produces. Harlin’s work is very anthropological in it’s foundation. He is always studying and discovering all of the unique ways that make humanity human. His artistic practice is grounded in the use of light and shadow, as well as the understanding of composition and form. Harlin’s architectural artworks focus on the most essential line and shape formations giving his work a very minimal yet abstract aesthetic. The negative space in his work invokes a sense of stillness, while the architectural elements around it add movement to the composition.
Questions & Answers
Describe your art in three words.
Architectural, Anthropological, Abstract.
Describe yourself in one word.
Observer.
What do you love the most about creating art in New Orleans? What particular part of your immediate environment, in your neighborhood specifically influences your work?
There's so many inspirations around me. Everything from the people, to the culture, to the sounds, inspires much of my work.
Describe your creative process. Are there any rituals or rites of passage you exercise before you begin a new piece?
Oftentimes, my process varies from project to project. Sometimes the idea comes first, and then the process. And other times, I start to notice that I've been attracted to a particular subject or thing and that generates the idea. I often allow inspiration to simply guide me in the creative process.
Where do you draw inspiration?
I draw my inspiration from people. Human beings are the most complex, nuanced, and unique creation on earth, in my opinion. There's so much to learn from people. Each and every one of us has a story. I find tremendous inspiration in capturing those stories in art form.
Who are your artistic influences or gurus?
Henri Cartier-Bresson, Gordon Parks, Lorna Simpson, Irvin Penn
In New Orleans, art and music go hand in hand. What type of music, band or song lyric best describes your work?
Christian Scott, Musician/Composer and New Orleans native, is one of my favorite artists of all time. His work can be described as innovative. I like to think that I'm constantly exploring new and creative ways to tell a story through my photographs. Like a music composer, I like to bring together a mixture of elements that help to tell that story.
Where can we find you when you are not creating art?
Traveling, Browsing Art Galleries, Enjoying a great cup of coffee or glass of wine.
What is your favorite time of day/day of the week/month of the year?
Morning/Saturday/December
What is something people don’t know about you? A fun fact.
I'm a science nerd.
