A Gallery of Talent

In an industry quick to bamboozle with a string of floury adjectives, Trevor Harvey is a breath of fresh air. Founder of Harvey Galleries in Seaforth, QVB and Melbourne, his approach to art is simple: you just have to love it.

After 15 years building a career in Art Publishing in Woolloomooloo, Trevor Harvey and his family, Skii, Spencer and Lloyd, established themselves on the Northern Beaches at the Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery. Now known as Harvey Galleries, it has become an institution dedicated to bringing quality art to the Beaches for 29 years.

Art runs through Trevor’s veins. He has an incredible eye for colour and composition, and is an all-round lovely chap. A passionate curator, producer, collector and scout, he describes himself as, “A lifer who will die an art dealer.”

“Art heals,” says Trevor. “It has the power to cleanse the dust from the soul.”

Trevor cherishes his role in the art industry and describes himself as a matchmaker between artist and owner.

“Buying art is like falling in love; there is no logic,” he says. “Choosing art is a bit like choosing a partner. If you really love it, you’ll hold onto it for a lifetime.”

“When curating, I need to have a personal connection with the art. Do I love it? Would I buy it? Would I want to live with it?”

The gallery team excels in presenting art in its best light. They are experts on framing, mounting, lighting and conservation, and offer their buyers support in every area so the art sings as loudly in their home as it does on the gallery walls.

“We want to help our buyers empower their new painting by helping it look its best in situ,” says Trevor.

GLOBAL COLOURS

Favourite cartoonist and children’s author, Dr. Seuss, brought us laughter and provoked thought with his mind-bending

words and whimsical illustrations, His life’s work is duly celebrated at Harvey Galleries’ QVB dedicated space, and at The Block in Melbourne.

The affiliation came about 22 years ago when Trevor was asked to become the agent for the Southern Hemisphere. He toured the country with Dr. Seuss illustrations, gallery hopping with his retrospective exhibition; 70 years of Dr. Seuss. The show developed a following, and Trevor decided a permanent space was required. The QVB gallery has remained popular ever since.

Trevor has also introduced Australia to an abundance of International art, in particular, contemporary Chinese art.

“My passion for Chinese contemporary art was inspired by my mentor, the late Ray Hughes. Ray was a brave pioneer who introduced Chinese art to Australia. He was a huge inspiration to me,” reveals Trevor.

Trevor developed connections with Chinese artists through travel and visiting International exhibitions. He left in awe of both the culture and education discipline for young Chinese artists.

“Their university structures are amazing. A printmaking student would spend an entire year learning calligraphy. As a result, the standard is so high,” he explains.

A PLATFORM FOR NEW TALENT

Harvey Galleries is known for showcasing bold and brave works from established local and global artists but also for acting as a springboard for new, emerging

talent. Every February, the gallery dedicates its space to showcase Sydney’s most promising art graduates.

“We want to enable new talent to put together their artist statement. We help them find the best way to communicate their work.

“It is our way of giving back to the art community. First time exhibitors will learn industry facts and truths. They get valuable insights into being an exhibiting commercial artist.”

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

Johnny Romeo Harvey Galleries is excited to be showcasing the work of bombastic Pop Artist, Johnny Romeo, in December. The exhibition is called LANDED! which the Australian born artist most certainly has.

Felicia Aroney Felicia is gearing up for her debut exhibition. Her textural works in pastels have been on Trevor’s radar for a while.

“I tend to keep an eye on artists for a few years, waiting for the timing to be just right so that our collectors get to see the very best of each artist.” Trevor Harvey. •

515 SYDNEY RD, SEAFORTH 2092 // 02 9907 0595 //. GALLERY HOURS: TUES to SAT 11AM TO 6PM // INSTA: @HARVEYGALLERIES // harveygalleries.com.au