Richard Haines is a Brooklyn-based artist.

Haines’ artistic practice is now expanding beyond drawing into painting, working with oils and acrylics on canvas. This progression remains true to his ever-present source of inspiration: examining the human form and its relationship to its surroundings, calling attention to the person’s individuality as told through self expression. Whereas Haines was once fixated onto the wearer’s story as told through fashion, his new work explores identity as told by the nude male body, investigating energy and sexuality. The focus shifts from an analysis of garments to an emphasis on the planes of color observed. The principles of Haines’ work are pushed, expanded, and challenged through his usage of medium and size.

With a career spanning decades starting as a fashion designer moving into art, Haines has been one of the design world’s most sought-after illustrators with clients including Prada, Dries Van Noten, and Tiffany. Past residencies include time at Palazzo Monti (Brescia, IT) and the Courtauld Institute (London, UK).

Richard Haines lives in Bushwick, Brooklyn. He is currently working on a series of paintings that will debut at Daniel Cooney Fine Art, his fourth solo show, opening in May 2023.

About his residency goals

The goal of the residency is to further my progression from drawing into painting. I aim to explore queerness, taking in the tranquil surroundings during my stay at Hektor. The male form will be examined with its relationship to nature and color, highlighting the effects of radiant, natural light and the interplay between earth and water. Given the experiential differences between the residency and my Brooklyn studio, I believe the scenic change will provide a new look into my understanding of the queer body as well as further my exploration of oil and acrylic painting. The residency will culminate in a presentation of work made during my residency at Hektor. 

© Richard Haines