Hugh Hayden’s first monograph examines the inhospitable nature of the American Dream – Colossal
Art
#books #Hugh Hayden #sculpture #wood
July 14, 2023
Grace Ebert
« hedges » (2019), carved wood, lumber, hardware, mirror and carpet, 144 x 208 x 208 inches. Photo by Mark Waldhauser, courtesy of Shed Open Call. All images © Hugh Hayden courtesy of Lisson Gallery, shared with permission
The first monograph of the incisor Hugh Hayden (previously), American vernacular celebrates a decade of sculptures and installations that testify to his acute political and cultural awareness. Published by MIT Press and edited by Sarah Montrossthe 256-page volume is packed with images, featuring 90 photos of Hayden’s work exploring conceptions of race and class through their intersections with nature.
Working frequently with trees and bark – the latter even enveloping the book cover with « HUGH » appearing carved into the rough protective sheath – Hayden is drawn to wood and often uses the material to consider the wide range of issues born of slavery and his enduring legacy. Both « Hedges » and « The Jones Part 3 » shown here feature branches protruding from the surfaces of domestic works making them impossible to use, a metaphor Hayden returns to as he examines the inhospitable realities of life in the U.S. « All of my il « My work is about the American dream, whether it’s a hard-to-sit table or a prickly school desk. It’s a dream that’s alluring but hard to inhabit, » she says.
American vernacular is currently available from Bookshelf.
“Hangers #3” (2018), spruce, walnut, and ebony with oak dowel, steel, 11 x 28 ¼ x 12 ½ inches. Private collection
“Good Hair 3 (Brainwash)” (2021), White Oak, Drawn Black Boar Hair (Bristle), Metal Facemask, 10 x 11 ½ x 9 ½ inches. Private collection
Detail of “Hedges” (2019), carved wood, lumber, hardware, mirror and carpet, 144 x 208 x 208 in. Photo by Mark Waldhauser, courtesy of Shed Open Call
« The Jones Part 3 » (2018), Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) carved with steel, 78 ½ x 180 x 26 ¾ inches. Private collection
Detail from « The Jones Part 3 » (2018), Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) carved with steel, 78 ½ x 180 x 26 ¾ inches. Private collection
#books #Hugh Hayden #sculpture #wood
Are stories and artists like this important to you? Become a Colossal member today and support independent art publishing for just $5 a month. You’ll connect with a community of like-minded readers and contemporary art enthusiasts, read ad-free articles and newsletters, support our interview series, get discounts and early access to our limited edition print publications, and much more. Sign up now!
