Not Your Granny's Still Lifes

Not Your Granny’s Still Lifes is a solo exhibition featuring new works by Atlanta artist Pat Hobaugh. The exhibition will be on display from November 6th to November 30th, 2015 at R Alexander Fine Art in Peachtree Corners (Atlanta), GA. The opening reception for the exhibition will take place on Friday, November 6th, 2015, from 6-8pm, with the artist in appearance.

The entire proceeds for the sale of one painting will go to the Greek charity Hamogelo tou Paidiou (The Smile of the Child), a children’s organization in Greece that relies 100% of their funding on charitable donations.   The donation is meant to give back to the Greek people for their contributions to art as well as help to alleviate some of the burden caused by the recent Greek debt crisis.

Pat Hobaugh’s unique vision of contemporary culture comes through his elaborate still life compositions. His fascination with objects (action figures, Americana, toys, miscellaneous foods) derives from an anthropological examination of society through pop icons and consumerist products paired with contemporary issues and events.   Hobaugh says, “When Anthropologists want to learn about a forgotten culture… they collect tools, dishware, ornaments, and figurines. These objects are often all that can speak for a long-silenced people. I think about this when I walk through Wal-Mart, Bed, Bath & Beyond, or the grocery store.”  Via his so-called “Stuffology,” Hobaugh can explore the significance of materiality with satirical wit and a childlike playfulness.

Hobaugh draws inspiration for these scenes from 17th century Dutch still life paintings, or more closely vanitas paintings, where objects and items stood in for more existential ideas relating to death and morality.   Hobaugh uses the same intention of provoking the viewer to reflect on the ways that consumerism and object culture can define us.  Hobaugh furthers this idea by considering the meaning of objects through time.  By incorporating toys from our past, Hobaugh is able to add a deeper layer to his playful compositions while exploring of the various effects of nostalgia.

Indiana-born Pat Hobaugh first felt the urge to paint after taking an Art History course. He fell in love with the Old Masters and started to teach himself the craft. After several years of self-education, he went back to school to earn a Bachelors and Masters in painting from the University of Iowa and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, respectively.