Grant Haffner: Mohawk Trail

About

The exhibit will be open May 26 through June 25, 2017 with a reception for the artist Saturday, May 27, 6-9pm. Light refreshments will be served.

 

Haffner’s colorful, linear, dreamlike landscapes aim to elevate the oft overlooked experience of road-travel, allowing the audience to observe the subtleties of light, movement and emotion of rural scenery. Finding inspiration in his surroundings during the quiet hours of sunrise and sunset, he captures the essence of tranquility.

 

“Through color I want to remind my viewer that no two sunrises are the same, and to emphasize the biological bodily response to changes in light. I aim to make the viewer feel like they are alone on this journey, to respond to the colors represented in the work, and to experience an emotive reaction”.

 

For over a decade Haffner has captivated art enthusiasts and collectors with his paintings of Hamptons’ roadways. His renditions of familiar roads and local landmarks, often set ablaze in dayglow, sunset colors, have made him one of the most sought after artists on the East End. Those that are familiar with the highways and byways of the Hamptons, can easily recognize their favorite routes and lots depicted in Haffner’s work.

 

In Mohawk Trail, Haffner’s first solo exhibit in eleven years, the artist begins to explore an entirely new landscape. The low-lying bays and farmlands of the South Fork are traded for the mountain ridges and deep gorges of Western Massachusetts. Mohawk Trail is located close to the artists new home in Massachusetts, and was originally a Native American trade route connecting Atlantic tribes to those upstate. Flanked by the Berkshires, the trail is considered one of America’s most beautiful drives. Haffner’s depictions of the roadway at sunrise pay homage to the area's heritage, and instill the sense of serenity and a connection to nature. Capturing the roads, trails and colors of hills and mountains have infused Haffner’s newest works with something fresh. We see this new landscape through familiar eyes with a fresh perspective.

About the Artist:

Born 1978 in Berkeley, California, Grant Haffner was raised in East Hampton, NY.  He currently lives and works in Western MA. Haffner was a resident of Long Island’s East End for most of his life. His images are still inspired by and reflect the country roads, flat landscapes and surrounding water that he would absorb while traveling the area in his pickup truck. His signature motif of utility poles and the open road create an original sense of movement and depth to his distinctive compositions. Haffner’s work is represented in private collections around the US, Europe and Asia. Actress Rose McGowan and Internationally renowned collector Yusaku Maezawa are among his notable patrons. His work has been exhibited in numerous galleries, museums and art fairs including Visions West Gallery, Denver, CO; Vered Gallery, East Hampton, NY; One Art Space, NY, NY; Dorsch Gallery, Miami, FL; Sebastian Foster Gallery, Austin, TX; Islip Art Museum, East Islip, NY; Scope Basel, Basel Switzerland; Scope New York, NY, NY; Texas Contemporary, Houston, TX. Damien Roman has represented the artist since 2009.