By: Lennard James
Ashvin Harrison, an internationally acclaimed Australian artist, has captivated the world with his striking and original creations. His journey into the world of art is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Having worked in over 30 different jobs, Harrison eventually discovered his passion for art in 2012, where he would develop a self-taught and unique style that would later define his career. Today, his works are highly sought after by private and corporate collectors alike, with his art gracing homes and galleries in over 40 countries worldwide.
What sets Ashvin Harrison apart is not just his creativity but also his innovative approach to art. His technique, which he describes as completely original and self-developed, involves a fascinating blend of charcoal coconut powder, hand-painted directly onto canvas. Once the charcoal layer is complete, Harrison uses a combination of acrylic and oil paints, splashing them onto the canvas to create vibrant, dynamic compositions. His process, much like the artwork itself, feels spontaneous, energetic, and full of life. The use of charcoal coconut powder adds texture and depth, while the splashes of paint bring color and movement, making each piece truly distinctive.
Harrison’s signature style is hard to define within traditional categories of art. His work straddles the line between realism and abstract expressionism, with a strong focus on human and animal subjects. His portraits often explore themes of emotion, strength, and vulnerability, using the contrast between the monochromatic charcoal and the vibrant splashes of color to represent the complexities of life. The use of charcoal, which provides a base layer of stark realism, is juxtaposed against the free-flowing, almost chaotic use of paint, symbolizing the unpredictability of emotions and experiences.
What makes Harrison’s art even more remarkable is that his journey into painting was entirely self-taught. With no formal art training, his story is a testament to the power of personal discovery and the pursuit of passion. After spending years in various jobs, ranging from construction work to teaching, Harrison found himself drawn to the expressive power of visual art. In 2012, he picked up a paintbrush and began experimenting with different materials and techniques. It was through trial and error, persistence, and a deep internal drive that he developed his unique style.
This originality has caught the attention of art collectors around the globe. Harrison’s works have found homes in more than 40 countries, with both private individuals and corporate buyers recognizing the uniqueness of his art. His appeal lies not just in his technique, but in the emotional depth that his pieces convey. Each painting tells a story, often reflecting the complexities of the human condition—joy, sorrow, love, and hope are all themes that resonate through his work.
One of the hallmarks of Harrison’s art is his depiction of movement, particularly in his series that focuses on animals and birds. In these works, his use of vibrant color splashes creates a sense of fluidity and motion, as if the subject is captured in a single, dynamic moment. His birds, in particular, are a favorite among collectors, with their intricate details rendered in charcoal, offset by the bold, colorful splashes that suggest freedom, flight, and the beauty of nature.
Harrison’s work also touches on deeper philosophical themes. He often describes his art as a reflection of life’s dualities—the balance between control and chaos, order and spontaneity, monochrome and color. Through his paintings, he explores the ways in which these forces interact and shape our experiences. His use of contrasting mediums—charcoal and paint—serves as a metaphor for this balance, with the precise lines of the charcoal representing control, while the wild, uninhibited splashes of color embody chaos.
In recent years, Ashvin Harrison’s reputation has only continued to grow. He has exhibited his work in galleries across Australia and internationally, gaining recognition from both critics and art enthusiasts alike. His ability to innovate while remaining deeply connected to universal human emotions has cemented his place as one of the exciting contemporary artists working today.
As Harrison looks to the future, his focus remains on pushing the boundaries of his art. He continues to experiment with new techniques and materials, constantly evolving and refining his style. But no matter where his artistic journey takes him, the core of his work remains the same: a deep passion for exploring the human experience through the interplay of form, color, and emotion.
In a world where art can sometimes feel inaccessible or detached, Ashvin Harrison’s work is a breath of fresh air. His paintings are not only visually striking but emotionally resonant, inviting viewers to reflect on their own lives and experiences. For Harrison, art is not just about aesthetics; it’s about connection. And it’s this connection between artist and audience that makes his work so powerful.
With his distinctive style and global appeal, Ashvin Harrison is truly a unique voice in the world of contemporary art, and his influence is only set to grow in the years to come.
Published By: Aize Perez
