As an established Brisbane creative Rick Hayward is now translating 15 years of traditional sign writing and 9 years of collaborative public art into a contemporary studio and public art practice.

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With a reductive approach referencing post-painterly abstraction and exploring form, colour and composition, Hayward investigates the space between craftsman and artist with environmental and anthropological attentiveness. In response to his commercial background, the Artist's practice is built on observation and documentation, research and reflection, culminating in vivid collagic compositions considerate of urban context.

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Excerpt from ‘Divergence’ 2019 exhibition essay by Curator Sophie Kubler -

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“Hayward’s contemplation of the intersections between the realms of natural and human, resonates

across the show and in many ways, serves as an underlying goal. As humans globally are closer than

ever to facing the consequences of climate change and the effects of the man-made age of the

Anthropocene, the idea of embracing ‘slow’ philosophy and rebuilding communities and economies with

an emphasis on hand-made and locally produced is growing. Amidst this conscious, societal change, it

is important to situate the works of this artist, whose highly skilled-based practices, acquired

traditionally and practiced authentically, in a socially and environmentally conscious context.”

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Hayward has shown work Nationally and Internationally in both gallery and public settings, has been

featured in publications including NAVA's Artist Files, No Cure Magazine, Frankie Magazine, and Etihad

Airline's Atlas Magazine, and has been an invitational presenter at events including The Design

Conference, PetchaKutcha, and AGDA’s First Five Out. Hayward's client list includes Westfield, ARIA,

Brisbane City Council, Balter Brewers, Gold Coast City Council, Pacific Fair, Lendlease, Robina Town

Centre and Queensland Rail.