About

Rich Harrington was born in Binghamton, New York in 1958. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Illustration from Syracuse University in 1980 and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Maryland Institute, College of Art in 1993. He spent 1978-1979 in London studying with the partners of Pentagram Design Ltd., and faculty from the St. Martin College of Art and Design. His work has been exhibited in Boston, New York, Baltimore and throughout New York State.

He is the recipient of the 2016 NYSCA Finishing Funds Grant, the 2004 Saltonstall Foundation Grant, and a 2002 New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization Grant. Rich is currently an Adjunct Instructor at SUNY Broome Community College in Binghamton, New York where he teaches Foundation Art and Design courses as well as  advanced courses in Computer Imagery and Illustration.

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Statement

My work is an exploration into the origins and influences of identity. I use toys, games, teaching materials and pop culture icons of my formative years to create fun but provocative autobiographical works of social commentary. The work includes painting, sculpture and assemblage. The images and text  have existed already to portray one narrative – I reassign and recontextualize these images and text to create another narrative which also existed, but was not acknowledged. Through this process, I open a pathway into both worlds and create a sense of place and belonging..

Much of the work is comprised of multiple pieces; referencing assimilation through repetition. The work is infused with a sense of humor that embraces the audience. Recognizable icons, materials and objects, draw viewers into what appears to be a world of the familiar. Upon closer inspection, this assumption is radically challenged. 

“It is in this moment my work becomes a bridge to a world that existed in parallel to the familiar but was invisible, like I was. I have revisited and rewritten my own experiences to include and acknowledge my own human existence and search for place.” ­


In my own words:
http://www.pressconnects.com/videos/entertainment/2016/05/13/84324668/

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Representation

Anthony Brunelli Fine Arts Gallery
186 State Street
Binghamton, NY 13905

Using Format