Caleb Hahne: The Earth, It Held Me

Exhibition Dates: November 4 – December 18, 2021

Opening: Thursday, November 4: 11am - 6pm

Opening reception: Thursday, November 4: 6 - 8pm

39 White Street, Tribeca

1969 Gallery presents The Earth, It Held Me, Caleb Hahne’s first solo exhibition with the gallery, featuring 8 new paintings and 5 works on paper. In some of Hahne’s most personal works to date, he explores the natural world, his spiritual connection to his environment, and a period of time marked by personal growth and discovery of self.

Hahne’s works are not only snapshots of his life, but memories. He is not interested in the objective truth (as memories can be false), but in his own truth — his perception of events, transformed from the mundane into the monumental. His figures are contemplative and on the verge of an action. Some look away from the viewer, while others confront them, willing them to ask, “who is this person and what are they thinking?” or maybe “what are they waiting for?” Marcus, a figure that appears in several works, looks into the viewer’s eyes, first at a distance, guarded and holding a sword for protection; then later, closer, intimately. He remains guarded, but there is something deeper, a longing threatening to escape through his gaze. Perhaps he is asking himself if he must always remain so cautious or if he can let us into his world.

In Limpia, a white horse gallops through a purple field, interrupting the darkness with a brilliant glow. White horses hold deep spiritual meaning across many religions, often symbolizing purity, freedom, and personal growth; but they can also be an omen for impending death. In Caleb’s case, there is a motif of both life and death; and then rebirth, as these characters experience maturation and self-discovery, leaving the old behind and welcoming the new. Lastly, in The Other Side Is The Day (Self Portrait In Blue), a self-portrait, Hahne turns his back to us, and to his past, looking out onto the rising sun cutting through the same purple field. He is awake and anew, now dawning a bow without an arrow, a symbol of strength and power, and a new sense of direction.

The Earth, It Held Me will conclude with the release of a catalog by the same name, featuring Caleb Hahne’s works on paper and excerpts from his diaries.

Caleb Hahne (b. 1993) currently lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. He received a BFA in Fine Arts from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. He is represented by 1969 Gallery in New York, NY, with his debut solo exhibition The Earth, It Held Me taking place in November 2021. In 2021, he exhibited a solo booth with 1969 Gallery at the Armory Show. Recently Hahne’s work has been shown in The Scenic Route, 1969 Gallery, New York, NY; House Parté, Carlye Packer, Palm Springs, CA; This Is America, Kunstraum Potsdam, Germany; Good Company: The Remix, Anat Ebgi, Los Angeles, CA; 10, PM/AM, London, UK; and I will wear you in my heart of heart, The FLAG Art Foundation, New York, NY; and Just As I Am, 1969 Gallery, New York, NY. His residencies include 1969 Gallery Residency, The Cabin LA, ShowPen, RedLine Contemporary Art Center and Adventure Painting. His work has been featured in Juxtapoz, Hi-Fructose, and Booooooom.com. Denver Westword named Hahne one of the 100 Colorado Creatives of 2014 and one of the Top 10 Artists to watch in 2015. He is listed as one of the top 10 contemporary artists under 40 by Wide Walls.

About 1969 Gallery

Founded in September 2016, 1969 Gallery is a contemporary art gallery devoted primarily to painting and painters. Through solo exhibitions, exhibitions worldwide and art fair presentations, the Gallery supports the practices, ideas and careers of its represented artists. Our project space broadens our work to include all contemporary art forms, emerging, mid-career and established artists, book projects and artist community-based initiatives.

Follow 1969 Gallery on Instagram via @1969gallery.

For further information or to request images, members of the media may contact:

Quang Bao: quang@1969gallery.com

Madeline Ehrlich: madeline@1969gallery.com