St. Louis artist Andy Hahn, displayed one of his newest modern abstract paintings from his Pixels series at the Art St. Louis XXXIV, The Exhibition. In it’s 34th year, this annual juried visual art exhibition features artworks in all media, all subjects, all styles, all themes, and all techniques. Juror Debra Drexler selected 35 artists out of 573 submitted artworks.
The exhibit ran November 10 through December 20, 2018 at Art St. Louis in downtown.
Artist Andy Hahn poses for a photo.
Crowds grew and conversations were sparked as art enthusiasts and collectors converged on the opening reception of Hahn’s solo art exhibit. Hahn is exhibiting his newest works of modern art in his solo exhibit, including his Contradictions Series and Pixel Series, running July 18- August 25.
Gallery information:
Open M-F 8am – 4pm
Longview Farm Park Gallery
13525 Clayton Road
Town and Country, MO 63141
Evening and weekend viewing by appointment: 314-810-6170
Contradictions Series:
Hahn explores the dichotomy between what we express externally versus what we hold internally. He manifests this mainly through words that are obvious and visible combined with partially obscured words in the textured surface. It’s a study on human nature and our need for validation and the perceived perfection in our lives, in conflict with our innate inability to be vulnerable and transparent, resulting in a clear contradiction between the two.
Pixel Series:
Hahn’s art has always had a focus on texture and that has played a key part in his artistic process. With his Pixel Series, the surface becomes the texture in a dynamic and contemporary way. He constructs, deconstructs and then reconstructs each pixel in an intense process to achieve the finished product. Reminiscent of modern day digital pixels, these paintings are both a metaphor for the focus on the individual and microscopic pieces that make up ones whole self and the obscurity of our memories of past events, either through time or repression. A sight truly worthy of beholding in person!
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Hahn’s newest work has both a funny and somewhat uncomfortable edge. As he explains, “It explores the dichotomy between what we express externally versus what we hold internally.” He continues, “I’m manifesting this mainly through words that are obvious and visible combined with partially obscured words in the textured surface. It’s a study on human nature and our need for validation and the perceived perfection in our lives, in conflict with our innate inability to be vulnerable and transparent, resulting in a clear contradiction between the two.”
Above: St. Louis artist Andy Hahn drops off art for The Current Hotel
Above: Abstract 027, acrylic on canvas, 50″ x 40″
Hahn uses texture and color to explore emotion while maintaining an aesthetic integrity. Hahn usually begins with thin layers of acrylic paint, laying darker pigment over lighter pigment. He then begins his process of manipulating and often removing paint to expose the light hidden within. To do this, Hahn uses his own hands, rags, or non-traditional materials.
So I should probably focus more on promoting myself, but sometimes great things come your way regardless. I’m a pretty humble person, but I am learning to celebrate me more and this is something I am extremely excited about and want to shout from the roof tops!
I was approached about a full spread featured artisan article, interview and photoshoot about me and my art for the upcoming March 2018 issue of St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles magazine. They interviewed me and came to my studio for a photoshoot late in 2017. The magazine will be published near the end of February. I am so excited to see how it all comes together!
Here is a sneak peak, I was able to capture a photo of the photoshoot, so you get a little behind the scenes preview of what the article will be about.
With photographer Colin Miller
I was approached about a full spread featured artisan article, interview and photoshoot about me and my art in the March 2018 issue of St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles magazine. They did the interview and photoshoot late in 2017, the magazine will be published near the end of February 2018. I am so excited to see how it all comes together!
I met an interior designer when I was exhibiting at the Webster Arts Fair this summer. She loved one of my large red paintings for a contemporary hotel project she was working on in Davenport, Iowa. The hotel loved it too, and now my modern abstract painting is part of a beautiful art-themed hotel experience.
This fall, another one of my large red paintings was purchased for the Dierbergs corporate offices in Chesterfield Missouri.
It isn’t as common to sell multiple pieces to the same collector at the same time, especially large paintings. But a couple in Seattle found my art and fell in love with several paintings for their home. I crated them up and sent them on their long journey to the northwest.
I love doing commissioned art! It is really gratifying to work with people who want my art in their homes or businesses to enjoy. It is a great opportunity to get to know them and it makes the situation a lot more personal and gratifying. A couple in Philadelphia commissioned me to do a large painting in their dining room. They had just gotten married and moved into a new house that they are making into their joint home. Was a great experience to be a part of their new life together.
Here’s to an amazing 2018 for all of us!
Hahn used strong vertical and horizontal lines in this piece. It suggests an architectural subject. He combine that with some distinct texture that gave it some additional industrial cues. The dark burgundy color palette is bold and attention getting, which was intentional, as he wanted a strong visually impactful piece.
We all experience corruption in different facets of life. It is often portrayed on the evening news and in social media. You can’t miss hearing about it or at least the speculation of it. In this painting, Hahn is showing the destructive remnants of a corrupt society. The architectural elements seem to have decayed in this abstract painting.
Purchase this painting and browse others on his Etsy store.
I am a contemporary abstract artist. My art is an expression of my experiences, emotions, inspirations and stories I choose to tell.
- Andy Hahn