Curated by Dr Gavin Watkins, in association with Strauss & Co, and composed of various figurative and abstract pieces, the exhibition Peter Haden: Almost Forgotten offers a penetrating insight into this little-known modernist sculptor.
“Given the evident quality and uniqueness of Peter Haden’s sculptures, it is disappointing that he has had so little recognition in South Africa,” says Gavin Watkins, a collector and noted authority on 1960s and 70s South African sculpture. “This can probably be explained by the relatively short time he was active as an artist in his country of birth.”
Haden’s first solo exhibition took place at the Lidchi Gallery in Johannesburg in 1965 with paintings and sculpture on show. He shortly met dealer Egon Guenther, who took an active interest in mentoring the young artist and promoting his work. Haden held his first exhibition at Guenther’s legendary Linksfield gallery in 1968, showing alongside Hannes Harrs, Sydney Kumalo, Ezrom Legae and Edoardo Villa.
This show marked the start of Haden’s golden period, which lasted until 1971 when he left South Africa for Europe. During this brief but productive period Haden conceived 40 sculptures, six of which were withdrawn prior to production, and from which a total of 182 bronze casts were made. Mostly figurative, his work from this period is further characterized by its elongated forms and modest scale.
Haden’s work was well received by critics and collectors when he first exhibited it. The Star’s art critic praised his “intuitive sensitivity” and the “willowy grace and rhythm” of his sculptures shown on a two-man show with Cecil Skotnes at Guenther’s gallery in 1969. Haden’s collectors included the prominent writer Irving Stone.
Haden continued to work and exhibit after settling in Switzerland, showing in Geneva and London. His lack of visibility in South Africa can partly be ascribed to the fact that Guenther stopped serving as his agent in 1976. The artist died in 1997 in Geneva. Since 1990, a total of only 14 of Haden’s sculptures have been sold on auction in South Africa – two by Strauss & Co.
Strauss & Co are proud to host the first exhibition of Peter Haden’s work in South Africa since 1971, firstly at their offices in Johannesburg and secondly at Welgemeend Homestead in Cape Town. You can view their online catalogue for Peter Haden at https://shared.straussart.co.za/catalogues/2019/peter-haden/.
