Vestige n.6

Inkjet print on fine art paper

34 x 46 cm

framed 50 x 70 cm

Passage n.9

inkjet print on fine art paper

34 x 50 cm

framed 50 x 70 cm

Statement

Stephen Harper practised as a professional photographer working from a studio in central London for over 20 years. This was principally commercial work, commissions from London based advertising and graphic design agencies, as well as for corporate brochures. Some of his personal work was exhibited in central London spaces. After pursuing a different career, he rekindled his interest in the medium around 2015 having not taken any new photographs until then. He travels through France frequently and knows the south-west of France well, particularly the department of the Lot. A large proportion of his current projects are taken in the main city of Cahors or in the nearby in the small towns and villages.

The photographs are of urban and semi-urban landscapes characterised by strong graphic shapes of domestic, commercial, and industrial buildings from an earlier era. A hidden geometry and textured forms are revealed, using a deliberately desaturated colour palette. The images are sometimes inspired by the muted tones of certain Impressionist and Post-impressionist paintings of the late 19th and 20th centuries. More recent projects are a collection of roadscapes with a more contemporary style using a slightly enhanced colour palette. Minimal manipulation with photos editors is used to maintain a natural print quality.

All the fine art printing is done by Stephen Harper using a professional Canon inkjet printer. The fine art papers used are 100% cotton rag made by Canson, Brilliant Museum, or Hahnemuhle. These quality papers highlight the subtle nature of the surface textures and delicate colours of everyday objects and surfaces weathered over time, revealing a beauty often unseen. The principal aim of the business is to offer fine art prints for sale in limited editions at different sizes. The inks and papers used are of archival quality with an expected longevity of 70-90 years in typical domestic settings.