Donté K. Hayes’ artwork is informed by researching traditional African heirlooms and initiation rites of birth, adulthood, marriage, eldership, and ancestry which are essential to all human growth and speaks to the greater African diaspora. Along with an interest in history, science-fiction, and hip-hop culture, Hayes utilizes ceramics as a historical and base material to inform memories of the past. The application of repeated texture and patterns on the surface of his sculptures imbue a visual language of memory, ritual, comfort and a sense of familiarity to the viewer. These sculptures are vessels that are turned upside down further symbolizing the crazy world we live in. Ceramics becomes a bridge to conceptually integrate disparate objects and or images for the purpose of creating new understandings and connections with the material, history, and social-political issues. These modern artifacts preserve, empower, and document the past and present to initiate healing and understanding for the future.
Spring 2024 Visiting Artist Colloquium
Wednesdays @ 5 – 6:15pm | Elvehjem L160 | Online at Zoom: go.wisc.edu/uw-art-talks
The Art Department Colloquium is a series supported by the Anonymous Fund and the Brittingham Trust. Visiting Artist lectures are held every Wednesday during the academic year, and are free and open to the public.
Wednesdays @ 5 – 6:15pm | Elvehjem L160 | Online at Zoom: go.wisc.edu/uw-art-talks
The Art Department Colloquium is a series supported by the Anonymous Fund and the Brittingham Trust. Visiting Artist lectures are held every Wednesday during the academic year, and are free and open to the public.
Discover the latest developments in Fine art, Craft, and Design at our free public lectures by some of the nation’s most prominent artists, critics, and gallery and museum directors.
