Objects define reality. Abstract or concrete objects reflect on the past while simultaneously preparing models for the future. But, like philosophies and shapes, humans are objects too. Some are to be “handled with care,” while others like timber planks. An object can be anything you choose it to become, much like slavery.
Stephen L. Hayes Jr. uses objects like chains, nooses, wooden legs and bullet shells to portray the experiences of African-Americans in America, while reflecting on the past. The exhibition, “American Haze,” previously on view at Mason Fine Art, displayed the 10-year retrospective by Hayes. Inspired by his own personal experiences and Willie Lynch’s “Makings of a Slave”, Hayes exhibition featured these artworks, “Cash Crop”, “Fancy Legs”, “Destroy the man, keep the body,” “Voice of Future’s past” and “Jesus Piece.”
One of the three symbols often used in Hayes’ work is a horse. “Fancy Legs” is a metaphor for ‘we are given everything we need to destroy ourselves,’” Hayes said. The piece pictures two black horses with many legs that are connected at the neck with nooses. “Both of these horses are trying to outdo one another, and at the same time are getting choked out by this lavish noose necklace,” he added.
“American Haze” by Hayes, is no longer on exhibition at Mason Fine Art but is available here.
Hayes is an American artist who “uses three symbols: a pawn, a corn and a horse to explore America’s use (or misuse) of black bodies, black minds and black labor,” according to the Gibbes Museum. Hayes is also a professor of sculpture at Duke University.