Whenever a new exhibition opens at the Frye, we get excited to highlight the accompanying art books and catalogs in the Store. Past publications like Black Refractions: Highlights from The Studio Museum in Harlem and Young Blood: Noah Davis, Kahlil Joseph, The Underground Museum are some incredible standouts, and Hugh Hayden: American Vernacular joined these ranks of inimitable art books when the show opened on June 28.
Hugh Hayden is an American sculptor and trained architect whose work, according to his artist statement, “arises from a deep connection to nature.” Much of his practice touches upon, with unbelievable craftsmanship, the ways in which elements of the so-called “American Dream” are ultimately hostile, politicized, and inaccessible to most. Football helmets adorned with wire-drawn boar hair, church pews upholstered with ominous bristles, Adirondack chairs and dining room tables punctuated with gnarly wooden thorns— these are just some examples of how Hayden’s work takes familiar aspects of Americana and reveals their dark underbelly with his thoughtful use of organic materials and profound technical skill.
American Vernacular documents Hayden’s incredible hand-hewn sculptures and installations and traces his practice over the last decade. It is a dense, lush look into the mind of this incredible artist and illuminates themes that are ever present in his body of work. With gorgeous full-color photography capturing Hayden’s singular sculptures and elaborate installations, thoughtful interviews and writing about his work, this catalog will lead you through Hayden’s conceptual interpretation of our society while inviting you to contemplate themes of identity, desire, and belonging along the way.
In addition to the stunning visuals and essays in American Vernacular, there are two other details that make this catalog even more special. In response to Hayden’s work, celebrated author and critic Carmen Maria Machado penned a wistful and terrifying fairytale titled The Summer Demon’s Account, which speaks further to the haunting (super)natural elements central to the artist’s practice. Additionally, flip to page 247 and you’ll find Hugh Hayden’s very own recipe for Cornbread Pudding, a nod to his Texas upbringing and an intimate glimpse into the life of this contemporary artist. It’s the cherry on top of an exceptional art book.
Hugh Hayden: American Vernacular is the artist’s first solo museum presentation on the West Coast and runs until September 28, 2025. Come visit the Store to pick up your copy of the accompanying catalog, American Vernacular, and don’t forget to tell us what you think of the show!
