Artist David Hayes subject of Florida exhibition

Burgess Modern + Contemporary (Ft. Lauderdale) presents “DAVID HAYES –MAN OF STEEL: Selected Works from the Estate of David Hayes,” an exhibition consisting of sculptures, original paintings, and drawings, by American Modern Master, artist David Hayes opening March 31, 2023.

“DAVID HAYES –MAN OF STEEL: Selected Works from the Estate of David Hayes” showcases aspects of artist David Hayes remarkable career spanning over six decades where influential artists such as his mentor and teacher, David Smith, and close friend Alexander Calder, had an unmistakable impact on his style of sculpture – which has now inspired art lovers around the globe.

The exhibition offers intriguing insight into David Hayes’s academic accolades – confirmations of his proper place in Art History that gives critical examination and analysis into his signature, organic, and abstracted sculptures.

“DAVID HAYES –MAN OF STEEL: Selected Works from the Estate of David Hayes” also highlights his thought-provoking monumental outdoor sculptures which contemplate the relationship between a work of art and the environment it occupies. Characterized by their sheer scale, dramatic presence and unique color palette, Hayes’ sculptures have captured the imaginations of patrons and critics alike. His legacy is cemented in Art History, as his works continue to challenge viewers to rethink their relationship with art in public places.

Throughout his sixty-year career, his creations have been collected by numerous prestigious private collections and museums. He has had over 400 exhibitions and is included in over 100 institutional collections including that of The Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum in New York; the Detroit Institute of Arts; The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Connecticut; the Boca Raton Museum; and the Snite Museum of Art.

Hayes’ work was also shown in the summer of 2013 at the University of Notre Dame’s Snite Museum.

At the time of his death, his work was on exhibition at St. John’s College in Annapolis, Md., at Contemporary Art Center in Peoria, Ill., and at the University of Kentucky Art Museum.

In 2021, Hayes’ artwork and the David Hayes Sculpture Gardens in Connecticut, were the subject of an hour-long television broadcast shown on some 200 PBS stations nationwide produced by Legacy List with Matt Paxton.

“The time has come to celebrate the legacy of this great artist, with a particular focus on his iconic sculptures, which rightfully deserve to be reexamined and canonized within the historical context of the art developed during this period,” Lisa Burgess, President of Burgess Modern + Contemporary, said. “We honor Hayes’ commitment and dedication to creating masterpieces that truly stand the test of time.”

“DAVID HAYES –MAN OF STEEL: Selected Works from the Estate of David Hayes” is a special curatorial collaboration between the Estate of David Hayes and Burgess Modern + Contemporary. This partnership is focused on conserving the legacy of renowned mid-century modernist artist David Hayes.