Josh Harlan creates geometric abstractions derived from visual displays of data and information. He takes inspiration from charts, diagrams, and data visualizations related to finance, media, telecommunications, transportation, and other sectors. Generally, his work is completed as digital files and printed on metal panels or glass-mounted photo-stock.

Harlan studied philosophy at Harvard College and received a law degree from Yale Law School, completing coursework on the history of art while attending both institutions. 

He had his first solo show in August 2016 at the East Hampton Library in East Hampton, NY, entitled “Data is Art/Art is Data.” The show was featured in the Wall Street Journal.

In 2018, Facebook, Inc. commissioned a site-specific installation of his work, Spectrum Fragments, for one of its headquarters buildings in Menlo Park, CA. The installation is comprised of eight 48”x48” metal panels printed with fragments extracted from a US government chart of frequency allocations.

In 2021, Harlan’s “Katya” series was featured in the Palm Beach Cultural Council Biennial. In June 2021, he will participate in the Contemporary and Digital Art Fair (CADAF).

Harlan lives and works in Palm Beach.