James Hayward Retrospective Opens at Modernism
The exhibition features the artist's work from 1975 to 2013 and runs through October 31, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Fine Art
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Modernism gallery in San Francisco has opened a new retrospective exhibition showcasing the works of artist James Hayward. The collection features pieces created by the artist between 1975 and 2013, highlighting his signature approach to painting.
Why it matters
The exhibition offers a comprehensive look at the career of Hayward, who passed away in 2026. It serves as a chance for local art enthusiasts to view his development over four decades, from his early career through the early 2010s.
The exhibition spans a 38-year creative period from 1975 to 2013, covering the majority of the late artist's lifespan of 1943 to 2026. The specific number of pieces included in the gallery's show remains unstated.
The players
James Hayward
An artist known for his gestural impasto works created using oil, wax, and pigments.
Modernism
A San Francisco art gallery that previously published a monograph on Hayward in 2007.
The details
The show, titled James HAYWARD: Works 1975-2013, features significant pieces including the triptych Automatic Painting 47x80 Black/White and Automatic Painting 33x33 Black Gray White. Hayward, who was known for using oil, wax, and pigments to build gestural impasto surfaces, had a career that included a 1977 show at the Sidney Janis Gallery and a 1982 fellowship to Japan. Residents can visit the gallery to view the collection through October 31, 2026.
Timeline
1975-2013: Period of artworks featured in the exhibition.
1977: Hayward featured in the Less is More exhibition.
1982: Hayward received a fellowship to Japan.
2007: Modernism published a monograph on the artist.
October 31, 2026: Exhibition closes at Modernism gallery.
Across the Bay
This retrospective contextualizes Hayward's evolution alongside his early career emergence in the 1977 Less is More exhibition at the Sidney Janis Gallery. The show provides a local lens on a career that spanned from a 1982 fellowship in Japan to a 2007 monograph published by the gallery.
You can view the retrospective in person at Modernism gallery through the end of the month. The exhibition remains open to the public daily through October 31, 2026.
The takeaway
This exhibition serves as a significant opportunity to see Hayward's gestural impasto technique in person. Take time to observe the textures in the featured triptychs before the exhibition concludes on October 31, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the local gallery scene, check out our Fine Art coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Artdaily.
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