Harland Miller

Harland Miller is a British artist, writer, and poet known for his distinctive paintings and art installations, often featuring bold, satirical text. He was born in 1964 in Yorkshire, England, and grew up in a working-class family. Miller developed a passion for art and literature from a young age, which would later become the foundation of his artistic career.

Miller studied art and art history at the Chelsea School of Art in London and later earned a Master's degree in Fine Art from the Institute of Contemporary Arts. During his formative years as an artist, Miller was greatly influenced by the Pop Art movement and iconic figures like Andy Warhol and Ed Ruscha. These influences, along with his love for literature, would play a crucial role in shaping his artistic style.

In the 1990s, Miller began creating paintings that combined elements of pop culture, literature, and humor. One of his most recognizable series is the "Penguin Book Covers," in which he appropriates the iconic design of Penguin paperback books, replacing the original titles with witty, often provocative, phrases. These works became highly sought after and established Miller's reputation as a distinctive and irreverent artist.

Miller's art often incorporates a juxtaposition of serious and playful themes, drawing on his fascination with language and cultural references. His works explore the relationship between words and images, employing text as both a visual element and a means of conveying deeper meaning.

In addition to his visual art, Miller is also a published author and poet. He has written several books, including "Slow Down Arthur, Stick to Thirty" and "First I Was Afraid, I Was Petrified," which combine autobiographical elements with fictional narratives, reflecting his unique blend of wit and introspection.

Throughout his career, Miller has exhibited his artwork extensively in galleries and museums around the world. His works have been featured in solo exhibitions at prestigious institutions such as the White Cube in London and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver, among others. His art has garnered critical acclaim and has been collected by numerous private and public institutions.