Exhibition runs through August 3, 2001
Spontaneity of Spirit: Raymond L. Haywood
Entrance foyer at 1945 Broadway, in downtown Oakland
Presented by the Oakland Museum of California Professional Services division

RaymondL. Haywood, Happiness

With an honest approach and a bold attitude, Raymond L. Haywood creates multi-layered paintings, imbued with passion and immediacy. The artist begins the creative process by producing line drawings and stencils of familiar shapes and found objects. This integration of readily available images inspires his iconography and invokes sentimentality. The stencils are his tools; they are his brushes. And by reintroducing certain forms throughout his body of work, he develops an emblematic vocabulary rich with emotions, providing synergy and continuity.

His technique facilitates a dynamic exchange between the artist and his images. Working with richly textured paper laid flat on a rolling table, Haywood moves around the pieces, painting "in-the-round", marking as he goes. This ritualistic approach allows the work to become an extension of the artist's kinetic energy.

Although his process remains measured and controlled, his unique compositions and raucous use of form capture the spontaneity of spirit, eliciting emotions that are derived from the viewer's past experiences. Whether through deliberation or improvisation, Raymond L. Haywood's paintings capture a moment in time that is both timeless and ethereal.

Howard's artwork is currently on display in the entrance foyer at 1945 Broadway, in downtown Oakland. Building hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The exhibition was curated by Elizabeth C. McLaughlin and runs through August 3, 2001.

Sponsored by Songi Partnership and CAC Real Estate Management Company, Inc. in association with the Oakland Museum of California Professional Services division.