Palimpsest | David Harrison
Viewpoint Gallery 5205 48 Avenue (old Central Intermediate School), Red Deer, Alberta
David Harrison, "GRAFFITI DISC MODULES #1," nd, found graffiti on paper, 13" x 13" (collection of the artist).
A palimpsest is an art piece that has been reused to form another. Historically, monumental church brasses were reused as were medieval documents for the sake of economy. Palimpsests appear frequently throughout the history of art.
Public graffiti appears in numerous locations and can be seen as permanent and is often offensive to some. Graffiti can be removed and it is often covered over. For numerous reasons Graffiti can deteriorate and in some locations can be seen to become detached from the base. When on the ground it takes on a different form and can be “harvested” by anyone.
For a number of years my studio practice has been focused on this “harvested” material which has been reused as a Palimpsest in numerous compositions some of which form the basis of this exhibition. As an artist I am drawn to these surfaces which are rich in colour and texture as well as meaning.