An icon is an image, picture, or representation; it is a sign or likeness that stands for an object by signifying or representing it; an image or depiction that represents something else of greater significance through literal or figurative meaning, usually associated with religious, cultural, political, and economic standing.

Harper’s current body of work represents his ambition to make the icon relevant for today’s contemporary audience. Through exploring individual psyche, he hopes to transcend merely capturing the portrait of the sitter, but rather, exposing the psychological and spiritual aspects of the subject through distortion, atmosphere and Harper’s personal symbolism. In an attempt to capture the tension Harper believes to exist in humans today, he strives to present the subject in both divine and worldly aspects focusing on everyday people and not the preordained “holy” people of history.

“When looked upon from an outside perspective, the tension in all of us takes on a strange beauty. This is what I hope to present in my work. In so doing, my wish for the viewer is that they may come in contact with their spiritual self and glimpse at their personal divinity.” Harper transcends dogmatic religious belief while reaching for a universal experience and realization. Just as icons of the Byzantine and Russian heritage provided a means of meditation and contemplation, so too, Harper hopes that his work finds a place in peoples homes, and more importantly, has a positive influence throughout their life. “Rather than simply beautifying a living environment, my intention is that the work reaches for a transformation of the body, mind and soul while acting as a focal point in ones life experience."

EDUCATION
Classical Art Training, Bougie Studio, Minneapolis, MN (2000)
Classical Art Training, Atelier Lack, Minneapolis, MN (1999)
BS: Retail Merchandising with a focus in Clothing Design, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN (1997)
                                   
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Owner/Director, Rogue Buddha Gallery, Minneapolis, MN (1999 - present)
Independent Artist Advisor, Minneapolis MN (2003 – present)
Independent Artist, Minneapolis, MN (1996 – present)
Guest Juror,  Visual Arts Minnesota “Essential Art”, St Cloud, MN (January 2009)
Guest Curator, Great River Arts Center, Little Falls, MN (August 2008)
Guest Curator, Aveda Institute, Minneapolis, MN (Jan. 2007 -  2008)
Art Mentor, Interact Center Visual Arts Program, Minneapolis MN (2007)
Guest Juror, Robbin Gallery, Robbinsdale MN (2007)
Guest Lecturer, University of Wisconsin Stout, Menomonie, WI (Oct. 2007)
Guest Lecturer, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN (Sept. 2006)
Minneapolis College of Art and Design Guest Panelist, Minneapolis, MN (Oct. 2006)
Guest Juror, 11th Annual Art Ability at Apollo, St Paul, MN (Sept. 2005)
Dunn Brothers Competition Juror, Minneapolis, MN (Aug 2004)
NEEMA Guest Juror, Minneapolis, MN (July 2003)
Red Eye Theater Grant for Emerging Artists, Minneapolis, MN (2003)
Works/Plays Board Member, Minneapolis, MN (2002 – 2003)
Spring Board for the Arts Guest Panelist, Minneapolis, MN (2003)
Ache Magazine Guest Curator/Advisor, Minneapolis, MN (2003)
Guest Juror, Uptown Art Fair, Minneapolis, MN (2002)
Arrest Co-founder/Performer, Minneapolis, MN (2002)

EXHIBITION HISTORY
Solo Exhibitions
Thomas Masters Gallery, Chicago, IL (June 2008)
Rogue Buddha Gallery, Minneapolis, MN (November 2008)
Bloomington Art Center, Bloomington, MN (August 2007)
Aveda Institute, Minneapolis, MN (Dec 2006)           
The Lounge, Minneapolis, MN (Jan 2003)
Deville Studios, Roseville, MN (March 2002)
Rogue Buddha Gallery, Minneapolis, MN (Jan 2000)
The Lounge, Minneapolis, MN (Feb 1999)
Paul Whitney Larson Gallery, St. Paul, MN (May 1999)

Group Exhibitions
Scion Installation Tour, (2008-2009)
Definition Gallery, Baltimore MD (March 2009)
Perihelion Arts, Phoenix, AZ (January 2009)
Van Brabson Gallery at Art Basel, Bridge Art Fair, Miami, FL (Dec. 2008)
Art Basel, Art Now Fair, Miami, FL (Dec. 2007)
Hang It Gallery, Minneapolis, MN (December 2006)
The Good Life, Wayzata, MN (October 2006)
Outsiders and Others Gallery, Minneapolis, MN (June 2004)
Gallery 360, Minneapolis, MN (April 2004)
Kellie Rae Theiss Gallery, Minneapolis; MN (Aug 2005)
Rochester Art Center, Rochester, MN (June 2004)
Thorpe Gallery, Minneapolis, MN (Dec 2002)
Artlines Gallery, Minneapolis, MN (July 2002)
Gallery 360, Minneapolis, MN (April - July 2002)
ArtCo Gallery, Minneapolis, MN (May-Aug 2002)
Intermedia Arts, Minneapolis, MN (April 2002)
Gallery 360, Minneapolis, MN (Nov 2001)
Weisman Art Museum, Minneapolis, MN (Sept 2002)
Thomas Barry Gallery, Minneapolis, MN (Oct 2001)
Studio 700, Minneapolis, MN (Feb 1998)           
                                               
AWARDS & GRANTS
Metro Magazine, Nicholas Harper is named as one of Minnesota’s most notable artists (2007)
CNN, Nicholas Harper is named as one of ten artists from around the country expected to make a name for themself (2007)
Theater Latte Da, Promotional Poster for the Opera Susannah, Minneapolis, MN (2007)
1st Place in oil painting, MN State Fair (2006)
Theater Latte Da, Promotional Poster for the Opera La Bohemme, Minneapolis, MN (2005)
Works in Progress Grant, Red Eye Theater, Minneapolis, MN (2002/2003)