SEAN PATRICK HANNAWAY

AGAIN AND AGAIN

solo exhibition

August 24th - September 15th, 2024

Opening Reception: First Friday, September 6th from 5pm - 9pm

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Arch Enemy Arts presents AGAIN AND AGAIN, a new series by Sean Patrick Hannaway, seamlessly painted and collaged with bits of pop culture ephemera, news clippings, and graphic embellishments atop silkscreens of iconic Judeo-Christian artworks–historic paragons seductively soaked in fruit-punch-flavored sin. 

 

The three large, ornately framed images depict “The Yarnwinder,” begun by DaVinci in 1501, where a cross-shaped reel of yarn becomes the object of childish play. The Christ Child gazes intently, even longingly, at the object of his own crucifixion.* The other six pieces are 12” x 12” cradled panels pulled-in on the face of Teresa of Avila (from Bernini’s intentionally sensual statue, “Ecstasy of St. Teresa” c.1652) in a transgressive moment of religious rapture.** In her autobiography, Teresa described the encounter as a pain “so great, that it made me moan.”***

 

AGAIN AND AGAIN is post-pop debauchery at its finest. Sean’s elegant mess of high-low, sacred-profane, art-junk displays the delightful downfall of destiny. With surprisingly cerebral historical references, Sean’s work makes a commentary on the great provocation of contemporary life, humankind’s willingness to move toward and repeat the delicious depravity of our misdeeds. 

 

For the artist, the series and its production are personal: “I drew inspiration from Warhol and his repetitive use of subject matter…It had been nearly 20 years since I last worked with silkscreen, making this a refreshing challenge. In the process, I painted over the silkscreened images extensively, adding layers and textures until the original prints were almost unrecognizable… The approach suggests the possibility of endless do-overs in art–an opportunity that is often missing in the real world…As I near the stupid milestone of turning 50, I find myself reflecting on my life’s journey. The older I get, the more I contemplate my regrets. By presenting these regrets in a visual form, I see them as a collection of similar experiences, each one echoing the next.” 

 

Sean Patrick Hannaway lives and works in Chicago. He attended Northern Illinois University and daylights as VP Creative Director for Nintendo at Leo Burnett Chicago. Hannaway began exhibiting with Arch Enemy Arts in 2022 after submitting to our Spotlight Showcase, and he sold out his debut feature with us in 2023. AGAIN AND AGAIN is Hannaway’s second solo exhibition with the gallery. 

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(*) https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/94762/madonna-yarnwinder

(**) https://www.learner.org/series/art-through-time-a-global-view/dreams-and-visions/the-ecstasy-of-st-teresa/ 

(***) Teresa of Avila (1515-1582). The Life of Teresa of Jesus. Chapter XXIX; Part 17.

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AGAIN AND AGAIN will be on view from August 24th - September 15th, 2024
Sold works will begin to ship the week starting September 8th unless other rush arrangements have been made.

Payment plan options are available on most works.

All items marked with a red dot have been sold. 

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