Erin Hayden | September 22 – December 1, 2023
Opening reception September 22, 6-8pm
We acknowledge that we gather on ancestral lands historically inhabited by diverse Indigenous nations, including the Osage, Quapaw, Myaamia, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Kaskaskia, and Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo). Though these nations may no longer be present here, we honor their rich history and enduring connection to this land. As we work toward healing and reconciliation, we respect Indigenous sovereignty, cultures, and contributions, listening to their voices and joining together for a more just future.
Feral is a celebration for Goldenrod, featuring a collection of golden flag strands, each with unique shapes and patterns forming an abstraction of its likeness. Some fabric is sewn at its edges or let to fray in the wind and others have been steeped in the brilliant yellow of Goldenrod dye.
Goldenrod, a plant known for its natural healing properties, it thrives here, effortlessly restoring this land. Its vibrant presence can provide relief to allergy sufferers, making breathing easier.
Goldenrod absorbs the summer sun and bursts into bloom, typically around the fall equinox. It defies the conventional definition of a weed, growing where it pleases and resisting cultivation— a true example of letting go of control.
Extending gratitude to Goldenrod for bringing us joy, warmth, wildness, and the sun for a little longer. If you’re here, take some time to celebrate Goldenrod but also all the wild and native plants at this peak time of growth. Love like the Sun, it shines on everyone.
Erin Hayden is an interdisciplinary artist predominantly working in painting, performance, poetry, video, and installation. Her work has been exhibited in various cities across the US and abroad including at Stony Island Arts Bank, and Galleria d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea Torino. Solo exhibitions of her paintings and video work has been shown at Mana Contemporary Chicago, and Randy Alexander Gallery. She has been an artist resident at the Ragdale Foundation, the Banff Center for Arts and Creativity, Chicago Artists Coalition, and is a Luminarts Fellow. She has been featured in reviews and publications such as, Frieze, Chicago Tribune, Lori Waxman’s 60wrd/min art critic, and NewCity Art as a 2018 Breakout Artist. She received her MFA in Art Theory and Practice at Northwestern University and is currently living and working in Chicago.