Influenced by a diverse range of sources, including his mother’s cursive writing, early advertising graphic design, and graffiti art, Harun’s work explores the intersection of tradition and innovation. Early in his artistic journey writing graffiti, Harun was captivated by the manipulation of letter forms and the expressive potential of spray paint on urban surfaces. His experience with graffiti and having a traditional education in graphic design laid the foundation for his exploration of lettering as a means of communication and expression.
Over the past 20 years exploring and experimenting with various forms of lettering Harun has developed a deep appreciation for the tactile nature of the brush script medium. He found that expressive brush strokes that come directly from the movement of the hand allow for the viewer to engage with the work more personally by seeing the human touch inherent in this form of lettering. Bold color and creative use of negative space are hallmarks of Harun’s artistic style, enabling him to distort typography and create visually striking compositions. Through this manipulation of familiar letter forms, he invites viewers to explore his artwork while deciphering the message, encouraging a sense of curiosity and discovery.
This process, applied to large-scale murals, adds an additional layer of distortion, challenging notions of scale with brush marks that typically live on paper now enveloping the viewer. In his ongoing exploration of lettering and typography, Harun continues to push the boundaries of his craft, seeking new ways to engage and inspire audiences and bring community closer together.