Two exhibitions, “Jeffrey Haupt: New Paintings” and “An American Impressionist: Dwight Blaney… and friends” go on display next Tuesday at the McComas Hall art gallery. “Despite the fact that this show is very accessible and very enjoyable, it is full of subtlety that can take a lot of time to truly explore,” Alexander Stelioes-Wills, the gallery director, said.
Haupt is an associate professor of art at Mississippi State University and has a master’s in fine arts. He recently won first place at the International God Show, the Jurors Choice Award at the No Big Head Show and has been highlighted in the 2001 edition of “American New Paintings.”
“The bulk of my inspiration comes from my relationship with my wife,” Haupt said. “She’s the real muse in it.”
Haupt has around 150 paintings to his name, but 12 of his paintings, the work at McComas, are all focused on Adam and Eve. Haupt painted most of the work for the exhibition with the support of the Criss Fund, a foundation that promotes research of the Christian religion.
Haupt’s style of painting is a mixture of neo-classicism and neo-renaissance. His favorite painters are Rembrandt, and Corregio. Haupt’s paintings are a combination of Rembrandt’s light/dark pallet and Corregio’s implications of suggestive and sensual poses.
His representations of Adam and Eve range from traditional to modern. His painting of the modern day Eve conveys the idea of temptation with Eve wearing biker shorts with her legs spread open.
Another painting also illustrates temptation. This painting has two Adams, one smiling and one grimacing.
“This deals with the internal conflicts that we all face,” Haupt said. “It has to do with the conscience.”
Haupt also depicted himself as Adam. In the painting, he is in a meditative state of sorrow in which he is trying to right the wrong.
“When I paint, I try to find some understanding of the idea of free will,” Haupt said. “Sometimes the choices in free will can be problematic.”
Haupt said his travel fellowships to Italy and Scotland had a profound impact on his work.
“I was able to spend time with the works that were most important to me,” Haupt said. “It took me out of a provincial attitude. I grew up in an isolated area; in Scotland, I was around work that was created for the kings.”
Haupt’s work, as well as “An American Impressionist: Dwight Blaney…and friends,” a collection of 34 paintings, drawings and prints, are on display from Jan. 22 through Feb 21. The opening reception is Jan. 24, at 7 p.m., everyone is invited to attend.
Haupt said Blaney’s work is composed of nice paintings of historical importance.
Blaney lived from 1865-1944 and painted primarily in Maine and Massachusetts.
He is the grandfather of MSU Professor Emeritus Benjamin Blaney, quietly collected his work over the years.
This is the first major display of Blaney’s work. Landscapes, portraits, still lifes and marine scenes comprise this exhibition of contrasting pastels and watercolors.