Harland Miller: Artist Profile
Harland Miller is a British artist and author, renowned for his unique paintings that fuse aspects of visual art and narrative. Born in Yorkshire, England, in 1964, Miller has established a notable career, particularly recognized for his large-scale paintings of vintage Penguin book covers.
Artist Harland Miller
Miller's artwork frequently incorporates the instantly recognisable look and text of classic Penguin paperback book covers. He alters these covers by adding his own titles, which are frequently witty or thought-provoking and which offer a personal or societal commentary layer. Titles, like ‘Hate's Outta Date’ and ‘I'm So Happy Today’, contrast the modern and sometimes sardonic themes with the nostalgic familiarity of the book covers.
XXX (2023)
‘XXX’ is a 16 colour silkscreen print created by Harland Miller as an edition of 75. The print is based on a painting of the same title first show in a 2019 solo show at White Cube Gallery, London. The print resembles a book cover, with intricate graphic layering of letters and colours in the upper area that is balanced by a clear, neutral-colored band that bears the title and name of the artist.
XXX (2023)
16-colour silkscreen print on Somerset Radiant White Tub Sized 410gsm paper
97 x 70 cm
Signed and numbered by the artist
Edition of 75
Free Shipping to the UK
His work plays with the nostalgia of the viewer while simultaneously making provocative observations about contemporary life and society, bridging the gap between pop art and literature. His paintings' weathered book covers inspire a feeling of history and personal experience, which is heightened by the clever but occasionally depressing titles. Miller draws inspiration from various sources, including literature, pop culture, and his own experiences. The Penguin book cover series reflects his deep connection to literature and the power of books as cultural artefacts.
Hate’s Outta Date (2022)
In 2022 Miller released two editions entitled ‘Hate's Outta Date’. All proceeds from the initial sale of these prints went to charities supporting Ukraine, Hope and Homes for Children and Care International
“Hopefully the colours in these editions will combine to create their own context – be it obvious like a flag, you’ll read the painting in the intended way… And while flags suggest collectivity, the text will have personal associations”
Hate’s Outta Date (2022)
Screenprint in colours
100 x 70 cm
Signed and numbered by the artist
Edition of 250, 125 blue, 125 yellow
In addition to his visual art, Miller has also authored novels. His debut novel, "Slow Down Arthur, Stick to Thirty," published in 2000, tells the story of a boy who befriends a David Bowie impersonator in the North of England. This novel reflects Miller's ability to blend humor, melancholy, and keen social observation, traits that also permeate his visual art.
Harland Miller's work has been exhibited internationally, including solo exhibitions in London, New York, and Berlin. His distinct aesthetic and provocative artwork have attracted a great deal of notice and praise in the art world.
Since his start in over 2 decades ago, Miller has grown to become one of contemporary art’s most in demand artists. His constant examination of the relationship between literary and visual art has made him a prominent player in the modern art world which consistently engages and provokes people via both his writing and paintings.
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