Claire Oliver Gallery announces a solo presentation by artist Sharon Kerry-Harlan at the Outsider Art Fair, marking the gallery’s debut at the fair and the gallery’s first solo exhibition by the artist. The presentation will feature a selection works by Kerry-Harlan, an autodidact whose work blends traditional techniques such as silk screening and fabric dyeing with contemporary fabric manipulation and painting methods, creating rust-dyed and monochromatic large-scale textile works, vibrant mixed-media collages, paintings, and figurative objects—such as her series of Black Eyed Peas dolls—rich in narratives shaped by history and the socio-political landscape. The Outsider Art Fair runs February 27 – March 2, 2025, at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City.

Sharon Kerry-Harlan (b. 1951, Miami, FL) is a visual artist living and working between Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and Hollywood, Florida. Inspired by her African diasporic heritage, the rhythm of modern metropolitan life, and the interplay between historical narratives and contemporary events, Kerry-Harlan positions herself as a keeper of information and histories. She repurposes found objects, materials, and items passed along to her, incorporating them into her work while balancing geometric forms with figural curves to weave captivating narratives. Through dynamic shapes, intricate patterns, and multifaceted perspectives, Kerry-Harlan’s work transcends temporal boundaries, fostering a dialogue that bridges the past and present.

A bold storyteller through textiles and mixed media, Kerry-Harlan transforms fabric into a dynamic canvas, seamlessly merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary expression. Her rust-dyed textiles, hand-painted compositions, and intricate collages explore themes of memory, resilience, and cultural identity, reflecting her deep engagement with the complexities of the African diasporic experience. Drawing from a lineage of designers and quilters, her work bridges generations, offering visually compelling narratives that challenge and engage audiences.

This presentation underscores Claire Oliver Gallery’s commitment to championing artists who push boundaries and amplify underrepresented voices within contemporary art. Kerry-Harlan’s work embodies the spirit of the Outsider Art Fair, a premier platform for Self-Taught Art, Art Brut, and Outsider Art. The 33rd edition of OAF will feature 66 exhibitors from 40 cities across 9 countries, continuing its mission to showcase groundbreaking works that reshape art historical discourse.