Press Release:
la Beast gallery is pleased to present paintings by artist Michael Haight at NADA Miami 2023. Many of the artworks included are from a recent series started in 2019 and completed in 2023, titled “The Ten Directions”. This series focuses on the narrative of Haight’s practice of Buddhism, his exploration of the concurrent nature of the universe, and his use of emotional memory as a vehicle in discovering enlightenment. The title, “Ten Directions,” references the Buddhist philosophy of cardinal directionality: East, West, North, South, Up, and Down. Haight creates scenes with the intention of pulling narratives from the thin air of each direction, alluding to the notion that in every interaction happening around us, no matter how jubilant, morbid, or mundane, there is the seed of understanding. Additionally, Haight’s fascination with age-old duality’s such as “Teacher and Learner” or “Caregiver and Patient”, are driving forces in many of his illustrations. Haight’s unique palette, and use of gouache, embody the ambiguity encountered when trying to tackle these concepts. His works are simultaneously washy and exceptionally detailed. A skillful balance of delicate brush strokes and expressive marks beckons the viewer to lean closer and “read the tea leaves”. Haight remarks, “These compositions encompass the main qualities of my life’s work: spirituality, inner growth, social dynamics, and the intentions of self. Oftentimes, my artwork serves as an indication of a choice or outcome, depicting cycles of death and rebirth, hinting at impending transformation.”
About the Artist
Michael Haight (b.1984, Fontana, CA) was raised in the Inland Empire of Southern California, and now lives and works in Los Angeles, CA. He holds a BA in Creative Writing from the University of California, Riverside, CA and has an MFA in Visual Art from Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, CA. The Artist has shown in spaces throughout the US and Europe including Phillips Auction House in London, UK; G/Art/En Gallery in Como, Italy; One Trick Pony Gallery in Los Angeles, CA; Lyles and King in New York, NY; UTA Artist Space in Beverly Hills, CA; OCCCA in Santa Ana, CA; LACE in Hollywood, CA and Cirrus Gallery in Los Angeles, CA. His curatorial projects include Group-a-Therapists at Kippenberger-Beuys Gallery in Glendale, CA in 2016, and Being Present Mafia at Soze Gallery in West Hollywood, CA in 2016. His work has been featured in the publications Architectural Digest (2022), New American Paintings (2021, 2022, 2023), Art Maze (2021) and the collaborative book, with the Poet Cutter Streeby, entitled Tension: Rupture (Tupelo Press 2021). Group exhibitions, Daydream Jelly, la Beast gallery, Los Angeles (2023); Vardan Gallery, Los Angeles (2023); NADA Miami, la Beast gallery (2023). Solo exhibition, My Pet Ram, New York, NY, with work from the Alcoholic Crepuscules series.
