Tanya Haden

February 14 – March 14, 2015

Tanya Haden

Negative Affirmation Mirror.  2015 

Gouache and acrylic on paper clay, 5 glass corked bottles, in painted wood cabinet, with Post-its notes

19 x 15 x 5”

 

(TaH15 1)

view 1/2

Tanya Haden

Negative Affirmation Mirror.  2015

Gouache and acrylic on paper clay, 5 glass corked bottles, in painted wood cabinet, with Post-its notes

19 x 15 x 5”

 

(TaH15 1)

view 2/2

Tanya Haden

The Santa Monica Library, ca 1982.  2015      

Gouache and colored pencil on polypropylene, framed

Sheet: 10 ¾ x 14”

 

(TaH15 02)

Tanya Haden

The Landlady.  2011/15

Gouache and colored pencil on paper, framed

Sheet: 18 ¾ x 23 ¾”

 

(TaH15 03)

Tanya Haden

Be Prepared.  2015

Gouache and colored pencil on paper, framed

Sheet 17 ¾ x 13 7/8”

 

(TaH15 04)

Tanya Haden

Three Sleeping Figures.  2015

Charcoal on paper, framed

Sheet 25 ½ x 20 ¼”

 

(TaH15 05)

Tanya Haden

The Spectators.  2015

Gouache, acrylic and colored pencil on paper, framed

Sheet: 20 5/8 x 25 ¼”

 

(TaH15 06)

Tanya Haden

The Safe House.  2015

Gouache and colored pencil on paper, framed

Sheet 20 ¼ x 25 ½”

 

(TaH15 07)

Tanya Haden

Untitled.  2015

Charcoal, gouache and colored pencil on paper, framed

Sheet 20 ¼ x 25 3/8”

 

(TaH15 08)

Tanya Haden

Where Did I Come From?  2015

Colored pencil on 4 sheets of paper, on wood panel

18 x 24”

 

(TaH15 09)

Press Release

Inspired by interesting encounters throughout her life, Tanya Haden shows drawings & paintings that explore and flesh out these amusing and at times frustrating situations for her first one artist exhibition at  Rosamund Felsen Gallery.

Though humorous & spirited on the surface, ideas about vulnerability & power - as well as struggle & security - often make an appearance and underline the otherwise funny situations that are created.  Two gorillas surrounded by cups of water in a fierce brawl are revealed in one of the works, while another colorful piece shows a frowning Boy Scout leader – knee high in water – displaying all his badges. Another piece provides a close up of a former landlady typing to her online sweetheart, and still another piece depicts a brightly lit public library full of bookshelves and books hiding a man pleasuring himself in the shadows. Choice of materials (such as charcoal or gauche) and line texture are utilized to various effects - chaotic and jagged or elongated and calm; and water is often depicted for its ability to flow or alter perception.

Having received by her animation degree at Cal Arts, these drawings and paintings are Haden’s way to make sense of the violence and power abuses that exist in our world that is riddled with chaos and confusion. Reflecting the compelling human need for safety & vulnerability, the playful narratives, ultimately, are introspections on the fragility and power of innocence.