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Allen Hayes

Artist Biography

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Allen Hayes

Allen Thomas Hayes was born to a mother who was deaf, and therefore into an environment where the "what' and the "how' of communication had real significance. He regards the hearing disability in his family as instrumental in inspiring him to "develop and integrate space, time, and movement into visio-linguistic codices.' Given this, it is not surprising that Hayes's first interests were in Egyptology, a field where symbolism is an integral part of communication. This interest in the workings of linguistics and codes lasted well into high school, when it was crystallized in painting art, prints and posters. He exhibited firm talent in the media, and soon won a scholarship to Northern Illinois University. Here he studied printmaking with a focus on etching under an inspirational professor, Dr. Driesbach, who recognized Hayes's talent immediately. Driesbach introduced him to two nationally acclaimed masters in the craft of viscosity printing, Stanley Hayter and Krishna Reddy. Hayes still considers these three individuals to be indispensable in the development of his artistic talent.

Through his relationships with these mentors, Allen acquired extensive skills in printmaking, thanks to their enthusiasm for his art, prints and posters. Allen was introduced to Robert and Renata Motherwell, whose Chicago gallery was the first to display Allen's art. During the same period, Alan wrote criticisms and reviews for a national art publication, and he also applied to the School of the Museum of the Art Institute of Chicago. Chosen from 3,500 applicants for one of five graduate positions, Allen's entrance to the prestigious school was a pivotal point in his career.

With access to the Museum's world-renowned glore print room collection, Allen further refined his technical approach to etching. His study of both early Renaissance engravings and his contemporary masters defined Allen's conceptual approach to etching. The result is a unique postmodern treatment of semiotics and color, with simple, understated, and effective imagery. Hayes has gained global renown. He is exhibited and collected across the United States and abroad.

Allen Hayes Art, Prints and Posters Collection