“A lot of my work is about giving things a new life” – Stuart Haygarth
Elevating the commonplace or discarded object is a central tenant of Haygarth’s work. His exquisite designs and installations have employed the flotsam and jetsam of everyday life – from man-made debris washed up on the seashore to thousands of salvaged prescription spectacles. Creating order and symmetry out of randomness and waste, his work is as much about the careful process of collecting and collating materials as the elevation of these materials to objects of value or beauty. By constructing rich narratives about time, loss, abandonment, and modernity, these human aspects attached to the chosen objects are an integral part and driving force within the work.
As he has said, ‘My work revolves around everyday objects, often collected in large quantities, categorized and presented in such a way that they are given new meaning. It is about banal and overlooked objects gaining new significance’.
The artist’s process begins with the objects themselves. Each piece is inspired by the materials discovered or sourced, allowing the objects to guide the design and structure rather than imposing a concept onto them. Symmetry and order are central to the practice, reflecting both an aesthetic sensibility and a fascination with the stories objects carry. By giving found objects new life, the artist invites viewers to see familiar items in a fresh context, creating meaning from apparent chaos.
Light is an equally important element in the work, influenced by the artist’s background in photography. This experience informs a keen understanding of how illumination interacts with materials and transforms a space. Using transparent plastics, and occasionally glass, the artist allows light to pass through the objects, producing dynamic effects and a sense of ambience that is integral to each piece.
2025
Art Miami
Priveekollektie Contemporary Art | Design
Booth AM123
