Combining image and text
b. 1964
Harland Miller
Harland Miller, a writer and painter, is renowned for his playful yet dark humour and his iconic recreations of Penguin book jackets. His art is characterised by satire and self-deprecation, exploring the interplay between words and images to critique the often stark disparity between representation and reality.
Born on March 11, 1964, in North Yorkshire, Miller’s childhood was steeped in books, influenced by his father’s collection pursuits. Despite never finding the elusive first edition he sought, Miller’s early exposure to both high and low culture shaped his artistic sensibilities profoundly. Reflecting on this upbringing, Miller remarked, "I suppose I experienced high culture and low culture together before I could differentiate between them." Initially known for his novels, with two published in 2000, Miller transitioned to visual art where he found joy in imagining and painting fictional Penguin book covers based on books he had envisioned writing. His prints and paintings continue to captivate audiences, blending literary nostalgia with a contemporary twist.
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About the Artist
Harland Miller, celebrated writer and painter, is renowned for his witty recreations of Penguin book jackets and his penchant for dark humour. His art, characterized by satire and self-deprecation, delves into the interplay between word and image, offering poignant commentary on the disparity between representation and reality.
Initially recognized for his literary works, including two novels published in 2000, Miller transitioned to visual art where he found fulfilment in imagining and painting fictional Penguin book covers based on books he envisioned writing. Today, his prints and paintings continue to captivate, blending literary nostalgia with contemporary insight.
Where is Harland Miller from?
Born on March 11, 1964, in North Yorkshire, Miller was deeply influenced by his father’s avid book collecting, despite never finding the sought-after rare first edition among old car manuals and magazines. Reflecting on his upbringing, Miller remarked, "I suppose I experienced high culture and low culture together before I could make any difference between them."
Harland Miller draws inspiration from eclectic sources for his artwork, ranging from everyday encounters like bus stops and misheard conversations to the personal ads in newspapers, which sparked the creation of "Incurable Romantic Seeks Dirty Filthy Whore." He blends influences from artists like Ed Ruscha, Robert Rauschenberg, and Mark Rothko, combining Pop Art sensibilities with medieval manuscript writing styles in his recent letter paintings.
Miller's impact extends beyond his own creations, influencing artists like The Connor Brothers and James McQueen, who emulate his style of appropriating vintage book covers with witty and sardonic titles. His iconic parodies of classic Penguin book covers, such as "Fuck Art Let's Dance," merge elements of Pop Art with Abstract Expressionist brushstrokes, offering a humorous yet nostalgic commentary. This series originated from a serendipitous discovery of old Penguin books in a Parisian bookstore, marking a pivotal "eureka moment" for the artist and becoming a canvas for his satirical messages and clever wordplay.
Harland Miller's 'Who Cares Wins'
One of Harland Miller's most popular series is 'Who Cares Wins', another one of his series to be released through White Cube.
Read our editorial to find out more about the meaning behind the image.
Harland Miller Prints
Harland Miller's artistic repertoire spans a variety of print mediums, including silkscreen, etching, embossing, giclee, and inkjet, often incorporating techniques like chine colle or collage. These prints range in size from roughly A4 dimensions to larger formats, typically printed on paper with a sleek, glossy finish like Somerset Satin.
Typically published as single sheet editions, some of Miller's prints are released in pairs or diptychs, such as "Fuck Art Let’s Dance/Fuck Dancing Let’s Fuck." Other notable works like "In Shadows I Boogie" were issued in multiple colour variations like blue and pink, packaged in presentation boxes alongside monographs bearing corresponding prints on their covers.
In the early 2010s, Miller ventured into a series of paintings and prints inspired by vintage Penguin poetry editions, notable for their marbled covers. These pieces in the Poets series often evoke themes of love, featuring titles like "Love and Other Crimes" and the unusually optimistic "Love Saves the Day."
Beyond his renowned prints, Harland Miller's posters serve as accessible gateways into his world of art and literature. Characterized by bold graphics, vibrant colours, and witty slogans, Miller's posters distil the essence of his broader artistic portfolio into dynamic, eye-catching designs. Whether promoting exhibitions or standing alone as pieces of art, Miller's posters embody the irreverent spirit of his aesthetic, inviting a diverse audience to engage with the joy and whimsy of his creative vision. With their broad appeal and distinctive style, Miller's posters act as playful ambassadors, sparking curiosity and delight wherever they find display.
Where can I buy a Harland Miller work?
If you're looking to buy a Harland Miller artwork, Lougher is here to help. Browse our available artworks or use our sourcing service to help you find what you're looking for.
Harland Miller Art Prices
Harland Miller's artworks have seen a steady rise in value on the secondary market, exemplified by the record sale of £94,900 for the print "This Is Where Its Fuckin At" in 2021. Another notable example is the silkscreen print "Who Cares Wins," initially priced at £5,000 by the White Cube gallery in 2020 for Covid-19 relief fundraising, which later fetched over £17,000 at auction in July 2021.
Several factors influence the value of Miller's prints. Demand and edition size play crucial roles, as does the context of current exhibitions showcasing similar artworks. Additionally, factors such as condition and provenance can affect pricing. Hand-finished prints, particularly unique versions like the acrylic and watercolor rework of "This Is Where Its Fuckin At," command premium prices. This particular piece achieved over £94,900 (including fees) in 2021, marking the highest sale price for any of Miller's prints on the secondary market.
Over the past year, Harland Miller's prints have averaged €26,205 each, underscoring a robust and growing demand for his artwork.
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