Mary Heilmann’s “Daydream Nation” – A Journey Through Abstract Memory at Hauser & Wirth

In the bustling heart of New York’s art scene, Hauser & Wirth’s 22nd Street gallery has become a sanctuary for those seeking refuge in the vibrant and abstract world of Mary Heilmann. The gallery is currently home to “Daydream Nation,” an exhibition that explores Heilmann’s captivating engagement with drawing as a medium to transcribe memory and invoke daydreams. Curated by Gary Simmons, a distinguished artist in his own right and a friend, former student, and colleague of Heilmann’s from New York’s School of Visual Arts, the show offers a deep dive into the artist’s psyche and creative process.

Running until 26 July 2024, “Daydream Nation” showcases a selection of rarely and never-before-seen works on paper from the 1970s to the early 2000s. These pieces reveal Heilmann’s unique ability to distill complex images and ideas into simplified geometric forms and abstract gestural marks. This exhibition serves not only as a celebration of Heilmann’s exceptional talent but also as an intimate exploration of how drawing acts as a form of daydreaming for her—conjuring the sights, sounds, and events of her past travels and her imagined futures.

Gary Simmons reflects on his long-standing relationship with Heilmann, saying, “I’ve known Mary through many chapters of my life. Selecting these works and collaborating with her, I’ve learned more about her practice than I thought possible. In her drawings and paintings, there’s this sense of a dreamscape, a mosaic of her travels through the desert and from coast to coast.”

Heilmann, renowned for her versatility across mediums and her playful combination of disparate works in installations, takes a whimsical yet conceptually rigorous approach to “Daydream Nation.” The exhibition features works on paper that range from watercolor studies intended for larger paintings to standalone pieces that command the space as paintings on paper. Additionally, a selection of her ceramic sculptures and sculptural chairs are on display, creating an immersive environment that reflects Heilmann’s methodical approach to exhibition-making. Heilmann’s practice of working in series, revisiting and reimagining arrangements of form and color over time, is evident in the recurring motifs of chairs, rosebuds, spirals, waves, and webs present in the show.

An intriguing aspect of “Daydream Nation” is a new mural-like installation that expands an existing work into a novel form of expression. This seventh wall drawing by Heilmann, developed in conversation with Simmons, marks a significant exploration of the monumental scale both artists find fascinating in their respective practices.

The exhibition’s title, borrowed from Sonic Youth’s seminal 1988 album “Daydream Nation,” speaks to Heilmann’s sustained interest in daydreaming as a creative exercise and the role of travel in her creative process. It also situates her work within a broader narrative of youthful rebellion and innovation, echoing her experiences in New York City since 1968. This city has served as a constant source of energy and inspiration for Heilmann, both personally and professionally.

Mary Heilmann, a figure deeply influenced by the 1960s counterculture, the free speech movement, and the surf ethos of her native California, stands among the most influential abstract painters of her generation. Her work deftly combines the analytical geometries of Minimalism with the spontaneous ethos of the Beat Generation, distinguished by an often unorthodox and always joyful approach to color and form.

Heilmann’s transition from ceramics to painting upon her move to New York in 1968 marked a rebellious turn against the prevailing artistic norms of the time. Opting for painting, she ventured beyond the decrees of modern, non-representational formalism, focusing instead on content-driven creativity. Over the years, Heilmann’s compositions have evolved to evoke a myriad of associations, utilizing a basic geometrical vocabulary while introducing slight eccentricities that challenge and engage the viewer.

In addition to “Daydream Nation” at Hauser & Wirth, Heilmann’s celestial works from 1967-1971 are currently on long-term view at Dia Beacon in the presentation “Mary Heilmann. Starry Night,” offering another opportunity to immerse oneself in her abstract explorations.

“Daydream Nation” stands as a testament to Mary Heilmann’s enduring legacy as an artist who continuously redefines the boundaries of abstract painting, inviting viewers to traverse the landscapes of memory and imagination through her vibrant and thought-provoking works.