Growth through Darkness
A journey of an artistic life
An artist using his time and ability to display the beauty in the often-overlooked aspects of life. To understand the artwork of Charvis Harrell, one must understand the driving force behind his art and life. A third-generation mason, he had only enough time for art as a hobby until June of 2004. That summer, at twenty-eight, Harrell was diagnosis with sarcoidosis, a disease that produces polyps within various organs in the body. This diagnosis put him on very light duty in his occupation, but, more importantly, it gave him a newfound appreciation for living. His desire to make the most of his time by paying tribute to the people and things that impact his life impacts his work. Through art, Harrell shines light upon the unsightly realities that we live. Refusing to revolt, he continues his journey to examine the darkness.
“It was an honor to have Charvis Harrell choose the pieces for this powerful exhibition of artists from across the nation,” says Rebecca Miller, professor of art and art history and the director of the Pool Art Center Gallery. “The work is diverse and speaks to the power of the visual arts in bringing relevant and timely conversations to our community.”
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Artist Charvis Harrell of Macon, Georgia was the juror. The exhibit includes his piece titled, “Id, Ego, and Super Ego of a Negro.” Harrell describes it as an “autobiographic self-portrait that deals with the labels that are given to us and the labels we give each other as black males.”
A Visual Journey
Artist Profile
If there is any truth to the saying, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger," then the strength
of Charvis Harrell’s art comes from an auto immune disease called Sarcoidosis which he
contracted as a young adult. As a third generation Brick Mason, art became the vehicle to cope
with his emasculated condition of losing both good health and a career. He turned this physical
challenge into a career in art that has focused on providing information and community to people
through art.
Misinformation has always been at the root of most problems when it comes to different groups in society.
When a society that has very few interactions with different cultures, ignorance can breed animosity.
To bring awareness for understanding, through residencies at various institutions throughout the United
States and now overseas, HarrelI makes art by engaging the community in the process of the art-making.
He includes the actual stories of selected people in Black History and important events in the Black
experience, both contemporary and from the past. He believes this needs to be shared through art, and
he aims to inform and inspire others by bringing in previously unknown information and history. The art
he creates brings awareness for understanding to both those people he engages with in the process
and the audiences who see the results of his efforts.
Harrell started making art to give his children lessons about life and culture that was hidden
from them, and to talk about difficult things that needed to be explained, and to also pay tribute to the
people that are brave enough to make a difference in society.
Through years of hard work and dedication to his making art, Harrell has built up a body of works that
have been chosen for National Juried Competitions, University shows and solo tours. He has
works promised to the collections of several museums. His work is included in the private collection of
Barry Jenkins, made on the set of "The Underground Railroad," and for Black Hall Studios made on the
set of "Lovecraft Country.” His works are represented internationally through Cabinet39 in Flanders, Belgium.
Charvis Harrell lives in Macon, GA
Press Room
Growth Through Darkness
The story of my journey from local artist, to a national one before I started working internationally.
Race in America a national exhibition by Charvis Harrell
The first national exhibition I judged
To be Black in the Shadows of Confederate Statues
Part of the motivation of my life's work
Exhibition Awards and Projects
2023 “Replacing Unsightly Realities,” Megan Segre “Strength & Fragility” & Charvis Harrell “The Games We Play” Tides Galleries, San Francisco CA produced by the Art Ambassador, curated by Gwenda Joyce ***
2021 “Little Brother of War” solo installation, Drury University, Springfield, Missouri****
2021 Creative Placemaking Leadership conference - Web Hosted Event***
2020 “Race in America,” National juried Art exhibition juried by Charvis Harrell, Drury University, Springfield Missouri***
2020 “Cartoon Violence,” McEachern Art Center, Mercer University, Macon, Georgia***
2019 State of the Union National Juried Competition. " Drury University, Springfield, Missouri***
2019 "On track" Chico Community Art Center, Chico, California***
2018 "Monument For Heroes…" Mill Hill Art Center, Macon, Georgia***
2017 "A View From The Woodpile" Ampersand Guild, Macon, Georgia
2016 "Outsider Art" Ampersand Guild, Macon, Georgia***
2012 "Negritude," Douglass Theatre, Macon, Georgia***
2011 "You Can’t Blame The Youth” Douglass Theatre Macon, Georgia***
2010 “The Quality of Hurt” Douglass Theatre, Macon, Georgia***
2008 “The Evolution Will Not Be Compromised” Contemporary Arts Exchange, Macon, Georgia.***
Projects:
"How to Survive a Police Riot"
A community day of art projects and a discussion of the works of H.W. Thomas
BIPOC Community Day presented by the Hank Willis Thomas Exhibitions committee - Art workshop by Charvis Harrell
Univ. of Minnesota – Duluth, December 2021
"After the Laughter: The Duluth Lynchings"
A look at the tragic victims of lynchings in Duluth
Artist Residency at New York Mills Culture Center, New York Mills, Minnesota
November - December 2021
"Pandemic Portraits" by Michele Del Campo 2021
Artwork and interview of Charvis Harrell by Michele Del Campo
Numerous portraits made as a background actor on various movie sets between April 2019 until Dec 2019.
Creative Place making leadership conference
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Charvis Harrell: Monuments for Heroes Which Have None
Pandemic Portrait by Michele Del Campo
A portrait of Charvis Harrell done by International Award winning artist Michele Del Campo for his book " Pandemic Portraits"
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