Abe (2018) Painting by T.J. Haugh

My most recent work is a collection of faces that are painted primarily in silver and black. These portraits confront the facial recognition process, a skill set that is hardwired into our collective brains. Some of the works are first done on paper, cut into strips, and then rearranged to produce a kinetic effect. Other works explore texture and reflective devices that I find interesting. Most of the works are done as a series of mixed media pieces of the same subject. Some of the faces are of famous people, and some of the subjects are ordinary people.

When an image is reconstructed or otherwise augmented so that the viewer’s typical frame of reference is challenged, it causes us to look again at a familiar subject. This leads to new narratives and interpretations. It is my intent to bring a fresh perspective to the art of portraiture. Weaved into some of the works are subtexts that relate to the subject. For instance, in the Lincoln series, the image is cut into 13 stripes to symbolize the 13 original colonies. When this country was formed, the seeds of the conflict that engulfed Lincoln and the nation were already sown. In this way, the construction of the work relates to the subject. I enjoy adding these subtle dimensions to my work. It makes them more fascinating. I have chosen to do iconic figures as well as unknown persons because the image that is common to many is inclusive, and gives most people a point of reference. It also allows me to explore historical and social content as wells as pursuing purely artistic considerations.

The art in this series of works is sometimes jarring, and sometimes sublime. I believe that the need we have for order and consistency should be shaken up from time to time so that we may look at things anew. The challenge of art, and for that matter, life, is to continue to view the world in a fresh perspective. In some small way, I trust my pursuits lead myself and all who see my work to that lofty end.

• Nationality: UNITED STATES
• Date of birth : unknown date
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary American Artists