Zaide Harker

Zaide Harker is a compelling and urgent voice in contemporary Australian art. Their bold impasto techniques are matched by narratives of personal and social significance—whether addressing diseases like Huntington’s, exploring systemic challenges in disability care, or fostering inclusive artistic communities. The driving force of Zaide’s work is forged by the time pressure of living with a neurodegenerative disease. They work quickly and furiously to execute projects, an approach that feeds their style of intentionally applied violence at the canvas. This is a method that the artist hopes will persist as physical symptoms of their illness worsens. The undulating peaks and troughs of oil paint on canvas show the tumultuous application by a hand affected by chorea. The expressive nature of Zaide’s work thus reflects on rejection of pre-established narratives in the artists’ life.