Gregory Hayes “Stay Gold”
Nancy Margolis Gallery
This event has ended.
Nancy Margolis Gallery presents Gregory Hayes’s second solo exhibition titled Stay Gold.
Gregory Hayes makes paintings meticulous in concept and application. The starting point for the paintings is a finely lined graphite grid of 1/4” squares drawn onto the canvas. This grid becomes the framework for the painting into which single drops of paint squeezed from a small plastic bottle filled with several layers of color are dripped into the squares. The intention is to maintain a consistent controlled line and drip. In spite of the artist’s diligence natural inconsistencies occur; such as a wavered or smudged line or a drip that spreads beyond the intended boundaries. Hayes initially viewed these accidents as imperfections to be corrected or controlled. Ultimately, to his surprise, he realized these unintended and unexpected occurrences added a spontaneity that made the paintings even more animated. It is clear Hayes is a perfectionist so it took time and experience to for him to realize these were “happy faults,” as he now refers to them that should be accepted as an integral part of his process.
Incorporating the techniques of the grid painting Hayes explores new patterns and forms. In this exhibition we will introduce a select group of Circle Color Array paintings. The circle shape is based on a toroid shape. As the name of the Color Array series suggests, Hayes is much concerned with color, and especially with color mixing. In each work, the drips play a part in a large-scale color-based pattern; yet, on a small- scale, each drip contains its own kaleidoscopic pattern of color. The paintings are intriguing from two perspectives, close up and from afar. Examining the drips close up gives an intimate experience where the whole of the painting is revealed in each part of each drip. The viewer sees how colors are picked and laid out. From afar, the drips together create a whole new pattern collectively. Sometimes the pattern is more contrasting with bands of light color and then bands of dark rich colors alternating. Other times the pattern is more soft and subtle. Color shifts slowly transpire through a few bands of drips. Looking at each pattern and evaluating these shifts is reflective and meditative. There is a cool mood to such a calculated and articulate work. The difference in color within each drip and then within the painting as a whole along with varying patterning is what makes Gregory Hayes’s paintings truly unique and exquisite in person.
GREGORY HAYES is based in Brooklyn, New York. Hayes began studying art with original Drop City artist Clark Richert at the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, where he received his BFA in Painting and was named Most Distinguished Artist. He received his MFA in Painting from the City University of New York, Brooklyn College where he studied with Vito Acconci. Hayes is represented by Nancy Margolis Gallery. He has exhibited in renowned institutions throughout the United States including Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, MIAMI PROJECT 2014, Rocky Mountain College, SCOPE Basel, Art Wynwood, SCOPE Miami, and with the College Art Association (CAA) New York. Hayes has also been featured in numerous publications, including the Brooklyn Downtown Star, the Denver Post, the Huffington Post and Art Fag City. In December 2014 Hayes was featured by the gallery at MIAMI PROJECT, one of the important art fairs taking place during Miami Basel week. The upcoming exhibition titled “Stay Gold” will be his second solo exhibition with the Nancy Margolis Gallery.
Media
Schedule
from September 10, 2015 to October 31, 2015
Opening Reception on 2015-09-10 from 18:00 to 20:00