Introduction to Hilary Harkness and Her Artistic Vision
Brooklyn-based artist Hilary Harkness engages in a compelling exploration of history through her recent body of work, “The Arabella Freeman Series.” Renowned for her contemporary revisionist sensibility, Harkness’s paintings serve as a commentary on sociocultural forces, reimagining historical narratives with a fresh perspective. Previously delving into the World War II era in her artworks, Harkness embarks on a new episodic project that challenges and transforms established representations.
The Genesis: Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Copyist Program
“The Arabella Freeman Series” finds its roots in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Copyist Program, where Harkness embarked on a transformative journey. Her artistic endeavor began by reimagining Winslow Homer’s iconic painting, “Prisoners from the Front, 1866.” The pivotal shift involved altering the race of one of the figures, transforming a historical tableau into a contemporary dialogue. The change, though seemingly simple, prompted profound reflections on the complexities surrounding Black wealth, freedom, and citizenship.
Unraveling Complexities: A Thoughtful Exploration
As Harkness delved deeper into the process, the project evolved beyond a mere alteration of characters. Questions arose, challenging the plausibility of such transformations within the historical context marked by systemic barriers. Motivated by a quest for understanding, Harkness immersed herself in extensive reading, writing, and painting, seeking to reconcile the world as it was with the vision of the world she aspired to portray. The series became a platform for an alternative narrative, focusing on the enduring relationship between Union General Barlow and a fictitious African-American family, the Freemans.
Transformative Narrative: The Freeman Family Saga
“The Arabella Freeman Series” unfolds as an episodic saga, weaving a rich tapestry around the Freeman family. Harkness skillfully crafts a narrative that envisions a different trajectory for her characters, challenging historical constraints and providing them with agency and significance within the evolving storyline. The series becomes a testament to Harkness’s commitment to storytelling that transcends traditional boundaries, offering viewers a lens into a redefined historical landscape.
Alternative Realities: Painting the Desired World
For Hilary Harkness, the act of painting becomes a means of navigating through questions and complexities, capturing the essence of the world as she envisions it. The series stands as an artistic endeavor to present an alternative reality, one where relationships, identities, and histories unfold in ways that challenge conventional narratives. It becomes a powerful commentary on the transformative potential of art in reshaping perceptions and fostering a deeper understanding of our shared past.
Conclusion: Hilary Harkness’s Artistic Exploration
In “The Arabella Freeman Series,” Hilary Harkness emerges as a storyteller who transcends the boundaries of time and tradition. Her paintings, born out of contemplation and creative inquiry, redefine historical narratives and invite audiences to reconsider established truths. As the series unfolds, it beckons viewers into a world where the Freeman family stands at the center, navigating a narrative that challenges the limitations of history and imagines a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of our collective heritage.
