Born in Stuttgart, Germany in 1949, Stefan Harhaj joined the Chicago Studio in 2007. As an artist driven by process, repetition, and an interest in the natural world, Harhaj layers color and form to create idyllic landscapes populated by decoratively stylized imagery - chirping birds, perky tulips and daisies, ruffly clouds within clouds, and singular almond-shaped leaves that appear to float mid-air. Working across painting, drawing, and collage, his compositions are usually anchored by arches, multicolored grids, or radiating square patterns he describes as boxes, and given charmingly descriptive titles like Trees + Flowers + Leaves + Birds or Box Box Box Box Box Box Fence. He also often incorporates elements typical of classic Americana such as stars, American flags, county fairs, and picket fences. Using these recurring motifs, archetypal symbols, and patterns, he has devised an easily recognizable aesthetic reminiscent of folk art, and artists like William L. Hawkins and Morris Hirschfield.
Previous exhibitions include Spirit Spirits guest curated by Eli Greene and Devin T. Mays, Cordially Invited VII at Make Studio in Baltimore, With a Little Help from My Friends guest curated by Megan Foy and Julian Van Der Moere, Bouquet guest curated by Noel Mercado, and If a Mountain Could Love guest curated by Cody Tumblin, among others.