The War Machine - Bureaucrats

Harman’s painting project, The War Machine, is a visceral exploration of political and social unrest, rendered through rough, gestural mark-making intertwined with bold, graphic images of bureaucratic figures and ominous elements. Growing up in the 1980s, Harman was deeply influenced by the stark lines and boldness of brutalist architecture, which he juxtaposes with the ever-present specter of World War III—a theme that has loomed large in his psyche since childhood. This tension between structural boldness and existential dread pervades his work, creating pieces that are both visually arresting and thematically profound.

Harman’s technique is reminiscent of the DIY ethos of zine culture, with its raw, unpolished aesthetic achieved through methods like photocopying and basic, cost-effective reproduction. Despite his classical training, Harman continually returns to the anarchic spirit of electronic and punk music, which infuses his art with a rebellious energy and a sense of urgency. This connection to subcultural movements is evident in the poster-like quality of his work, where expressive painting and dynamic mark-making create a visual cacophony that reflects the chaotic state of global politics.

In these paintings, the fragmented and obscured faces of bureaucrats and nefarious figures evoke the facelessness of political power and the dehumanizing effects of war. The vivid, almost violent strokes of color and form mirror the contemporary tensions between East and West, capturing a world on the brink of conflict. Harman’s work not only serves as a poignant commentary on the current geopolitical climate but also as a reminder of the persistent threats that have shaped our collective consciousness for decades.

The War Machine is a powerful testament to Harman’s ability to blend classical techniques with modern influences, creating a body of work that is both historically informed and strikingly relevant. His paintings are a call to confront the realities of our time, urging viewers to reflect on the fragile balance between order and chaos, peace and war.