Cherie Harte
Artist member since 2019
Vankleek Hill, ON
Cherie Harte (b.1973) is a self-taught artist following in the tradition of Art Brut, Graffiti and Abstract Expressionism. Drawing inspiration from a traumatic childhood, Harte layers dynamic, gestural marks atop layers of worn textural surfaces.
Through a fearless use of bold colour and child-like mark making Harte creates a cast of characters inviting us to investigate our modern definition of love while reminding us of our own fragility and strength.
Cherie brings her childlike and playful characters to life through a meditative process that beckons us to connect with our inner selves, confront our discomforts, demand empathy, and ultimately asks us to surrender to deep sense of trust.
Scattered bits of text intermingle with relics of childhood - hearts, rainbows and natural forms imbued with a sense of naïveté, innocence and a vivid surrendering to the emotive power of transformation.
Harte blends traditional fine art mediums such as acrylic paint, pastel and oil stick with everyday materials such as newsprint, discarded grocery lists, marker and crayon. Playful, open hearted experimentation imbues Cherie’s work with a fresh, energetic, and unique contemporary voice.
Harte explores themes of love, identity, mental health and healing generational trauma through the unveiling of the raw complexities of human emotion.
“My work transports me to this magical place. A space where social constructs and labels dissolve and all that remains is the essence of love, vulnerability and deep abiding connection often felt in childhood. It is a place where my memory and life experience meet my inner child and all of me can come out to play. A place where I can dive in and explore love, unity and the power of transformative work.
My deepest desire, my dream, my promise to myself, is to make the world a more caring and compassionate place. I believe love is contagious and creating art allows me to explore and amplify love both in and out of the studio!”
Cherie's work is held in collections throughout Canada, the USA, England, Australia, China, Korea, Taiwan and Japan.
Q+A
Favourite book
All About Love - Bell Hooks
What artists do you admire right now?
Yayoi Kusama, Rose Wylie, Maud Lewis, Frida Kahlo, Joan Mitchell, Helen Frankenthaler
Describe your home in 3 words
Colourful, cozy and lively.
Describe the person your work appeals to in 3 words
Fun-loving, playful, introspective
In a previous life I was (a) ...
Fairy Unicorn
How long have you been creating art?
I have been creating since forever! My professional art career began in 2017 with a solo exhibit at Art Embassy Gallery in Toronto.
Upcoming Exhibitions
2022-05-01
2022-05-23
2022-06-18
2022-07-08
2022-09-16
2022-09-22
Select Past Exhibitions
2019
2019
2019
2019
2019
2019
2019
2020
2020
2020
2020
2020
2021
2021
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
Accolades
2019
2018
2019
2022
Press
2019
2019
2020
2020
Residencies
2020
2019
Education
Social
What do you mean, “try”?
Try-before-you-buy with a 3 month rental. 100% of your rental payments go towards the purchase (interest free). Message the artist directly, and start the conversation.
Art made (truly) affordable
We make it easy for you to try art with smart payment plans and try-before-you-buy models.
See How It WorksYou’re covered.
Artwork protection is included on all art rentals up to $10K. Our Customer Care team is always here to help.
Contact UsUnlock Trade Access
For industries including interior design, film/TV production, & real estate staging: rent original pieces that fit with your project vision, budget and timeline.
Apply for Trade Access1% from every transaction goes towards a Canadian arts nonprofit.