Both imaginative narrative and artistic talent are on display during Haynes Galleries’ current exhibition. This rising star in American contemporary realism captures drama and emotion in figure paintings that are sure to captivate collectors and connoisseurs alike.
At their Thomaston, Maine, location, Haynes Galleries is current showcasing the exciting figurative works by rising star Seth Haverkamp. Hanging through September 9, “The Magical & Mystical Paintings of Seth Haverkamp” is sure to captivate audiences through the artist’s creative use of color, innovative composition, and deeply moving narrative.
As the gallery writes, “For the last several years, Haverkamp has been consistently creating some of the most noteworthy portraits of contemporary representational art. Haverkamp’s paintings are bold images of the people in his life — his children, family, and friends. The paintings though are remarkably universal. They take one moment in time and capture drama, emotion, and mystery with color and care.”
Specifically, Haverkamp has a unique way of composing his backgrounds, which consist of a nondescript mix of studio backdrops and delicate paint splatter. The addition of rather odd accessories — such as sheets, fabric, twigs, feathers, and headdresses — in combination with his ephemeral backdrops, imbues the works with an enchanting, storybook quality.
“Haverkamp has said about all his portraits that he just tries to paint what is beautiful and what he finds interesting,” the gallery continues. “There is no planned deeper meaning to them. The inspiration can hit at any moment. Usually one of his children will be doing something in their home — playing with a toy, building something, dressing up — that Haverkamp finds visually interesting. He’ll recreate the activity and the moment in the studio to get it just right to capture in paint.”
Admittedly, however, both admirers of his work and the gallery find it difficult not to probe for deeper meaning behind his works. “They are full of intrigue and visual splendor,” the gallery says. “[The exhibition] compels viewers to look longer, to explore the mystery, and revel in the visually alluring images of a distinct voice in contemporary realism.”
To learn more, visit Haynes Galleries.
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