Rachel B. Hayes is a talented artist based in Tulsa, known for her vibrant and translucent fabric installations that have captivated audiences both in the U.S. and Europe. Her work transforms spaces, whether they be interiors or natural landscapes, into colorful and dynamic experiences. Using large-scale patchwork compositions, Hayes suspends her installations in a variety of locations, from barns and greenhouses to open fields and lakes, creating joyful and immersive environments for viewers.
One of Hayes’ recent collaborations, “Horizon Drift,” in Denver with Black Cube, showcases her expertise in creating striking installations that play with scale, color, pattern, light, and movement. The overlapping triangular elements cast colorful shadows onto the pavement, reminiscent of her previous work, “A Moment in Time” in Capri.
Her installations are often temporary, blending seamlessly with their surroundings for a few weeks or months before being taken down. Inspired by the ambitious fabric interventions of Jeanne-Claude and Christo, Hayes’ work celebrates light, breeze, and traditional American quilting practices. She draws inspiration from her past experiments and in situ experiences to inform her new pieces, often revisiting familiar sites in South Dakota, Missouri, and New Mexico to document changes in light, weather, and landscape.
As Hayes delves into more long-term projects, she embraces the role of a “fabric engineer,” selecting materials that can withstand the elements for extended periods. She finds it exhilarating to challenge herself to create outdoor installations that can last for years while remaining visually impactful.
Light, particularly sunlight, is a crucial element in Hayes’ work, influencing her choice of materials and site selection, especially in indoor spaces where architecture and natural light play a significant role. While she uses digital tools like Photoshop for composition, Hayes focuses on the physicality of the fabric and its interaction with different environments.
Currently, Hayes’ installations can be seen at the Chicago Botanic Garden in the exhibition “Patterned by Nature.” Her work is also featured in “Soft Structures” at Jane Lombard Gallery in New York City and “Body’s First Architecture” at Ely Center of Contemporary Art in New Haven, Connecticut. Additionally, her semi-permanent exhibitions can be viewed at the International Quilt Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska, and The Gathering Place in Tulsa.
For those in West Texas, Hayes’ flag is displayed outside Ballroom Marfa during gallery hours. To explore more of her work, visit her website and Instagram page. Hayes’ unique installations offer a refreshing and immersive experience that celebrates color, light, and the beauty of textile art in various settings.
