Imagine, Dominic Harris
Bloomed Wall is made up of four high-resolution video panels, depicting the progression of the classical subject, starting with the traditional image of a large vase of flowers within a banquet setting. Surrounding the bouquet are elements traditionally found in the vanitas paintings of the seventeenth century including a globe, candles and a small book, revealing the classical inspiration behind the piece. Unlike the traditional still life images of art history, Harris's Bloomed Wall subtly moves and reacts to the viewers movements and touch, drawing a visual paradox between the recognisable portrayal of still life and the wonders of modern day technology. The scene continues to progress from the traditional image, to a final scene of complete abstraction, as flower petals float freely about the panel, their direction dictated by the viewer's movements.
Harris's journey through art history continues into the more modern images of recent pop culture. Currently one of the only artists ever awarded permission by The Walt Disney Company to use its images, Harris playfully reinterprets the iconic and nostalgic characters in works such as Mickey and Minniewhich explores the ever-evolving love story between the two protagonists, a romance that has spanned 90 years. The eight-piece artwork Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, offers a unique opportunity to interact with each distinct character, removing them from their collective setting and allowing for engagement with signature personality traits.
A major feature of Dominic Harris's work is the playful element of interaction, whether referring to the human interaction with the digitalised reality, or the physical experience the viewer has with the interactive work. According to Harris "The art is in the delight that manifests when the viewer interacts with each piece." Harris's oeuvre explores the meaning of this connection: the screen, the data, the coding, become one mirror we can look through to find a space of imagination and creativity.
