Katharine B. Sutphin Retrospective

Subway Solitude, Katharine B. Sutphin, circa 1976-1989, oil on canvas

Through the month of September, the Harrison Center celebrates the work of late artist Katharine B. Sutphin with a retrospective that commemorates 30+ years of creativity. The exhibition includes almost fifty works that span a multitude of mediums as diverse as their subject matter.

 Born in 1954, Sutphin exhibited an infatuation with the arts that evolved into an enduring passion that shaped the trajectory of her life. The artist grew up in Indianapolis but chose an unconventional educational journey, encompassing an array of schools across different states, before graduating from North Central. A pivotal chapter of Sutphin’s life unfolded at the California Institute of the Arts from 1972 until 1976. She honed her craft under the guidance of influential American painters such as Pat Steir, Elizabeth Murray, and Paul Brach, each one of whom nurtured her desire to break free from conventional techniques. Sutphin’s gaze eventually turned to New York City in the 1970s, where her first studio took root in the heart of TriBeCa on Chambers Street.

Over almost three decades, her creative odyssey unfolded within the walls of her Chambers Street and later her Broome Street studio in SoHo. These spaces witnessed the birth of an expansive body of work that resonated with the creative currents of her era, connecting her with luminaries such as Merce Cunningham, Nam June Paik, and Mary Bauermeister. During the late ‘70s and ‘80s, the artist’s work graced galleries and museums across the United States and abroad, while her unique style –often characterized by vibrant Neo-Expressionist brushstrokes– captivated the eye and imagination. Her canvases, brimming with life and energy, revealed an eclectic array of subjects, from cherished pets to polo matches, from self-portraits to sunlit houseplants. Layers of cryptic symbols, such as enigmatic men in gas masks and prayerful hands, transformed seemingly straightforward compositions into profound narratives of hidden depths.

Polo Match, Katharine B. Sutphin, circa 1976-1989, acrylic and screen print on paper

Through the KBS retrospective, viewers are invited to witness the evolution of her creative language, exploring mediums such as batiks on bedsheets, copic marker on paper, and the artist’s most prolific expertise, oil and acrylic on canvas. It is in these expressive strokes that Sutphin’s lasting legacy resides – a testament to her unwavering authenticity and unique artistic vision. Join us in honoring the indelible mark left by Katharine B. Sutphin, a visionary artist who fearlessly followed her creative muse for the better part of 59 years.

The Katharine B. Sutphin Retrospective opens Friday, September 1st, in the Harrison Gallery. The show can be viewed anytime during the month of September during Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The works can additionally be viewed through our online gallery.