Frederick Hayes

Works on Paper

March 4 - April 15, 2023

Frederick Hayes is an artist that has been creating figurations of the underserved communities for many years. His compositions are confident in their color and speak to many art historical influences ranging from the well-known to the more obscure. In his latest body of works on paper, Hayes has added a series of watercolors rich in pattern and depth.

Hayes has always been interested in depicting working class people with deserved humanity but also in doing so invites them into spaces that were previously reserved for those of means. While his viewers can revel in his off-center compositions, he can insert his ideas about how African-Americans are depicted and characterized in media. Pieces such as “A Sharecropper’s Son Speaking in Tongues” and “Michael Brown Hugging Himself Composite” reference Richard Wright and Michael Brown specifically while “High Yellow” address the broader idea of how African-Americans are both victims and perpetrators of colorism.

Drawing from various resources, many of his figures are not portraits but composites of people taken from places such as the internet and surreptitious photographs taken in brief encounters. The artist states, “On some level all of the people that I select or choose to depict are a reflection of who I am, what my interest are with regard to humanity and how I see myself within a larger society. They are as much guises of the self as they are their own individuals with their own stories to tell.”

Hayes’ work seeks to undermine preconceived ideas some carry about others. With respect, understanding, and grace, his characters almost always address their viewer’s gaze directly askance of what we’re all entitled to.

The gallery is located at 143B Orchard Street between Rivington and Delancey on the Lower East Side in New York City. Gallery hours are Tuesday - Saturday, noon to 6 pm and by appointment. For more information about this and other exhibitions, please visit us online at cindyruckergallery.com or contact us t info@cindyruckergallery.com.