Sean Hagan 

Contemporary Painter

Biography

 

Sean Hagan grew up in a suburb west of Boston, the son of two public school teachers. He studied illustration in college, and secured a job as an animator prior to graduating. Eventually he was called to the family business of teaching and has been a visual arts teacher at the high school level for over 20 years. 

 

In 2010 he began experimenting with painting on wooden panels and creating his own canvases and frames, which proved to be a turning point in his creative process. His subject matter has changed over time, moving from subjective to more non-representational work. His current themes include abstract land and seascapes that are created with dozens of layers of acrylic and latex paint. These layers are selectively exposed, creating depth, texture and visual interest. Similar to Pollock, Hagan is pragmatic with his choice of materials, often choosing what is available and at hand  and using those limitations as a challenge and direction for his work.

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In 2024 he began working with the deCordova Museum's CALP (Corporate Art Lending Program) and has exhibited his work extensively in the Boston and metro west area. In 2024 his artwork was selected by the annual MassArt auction which supports student art scholarships.

 

Artist Statement

 

I am always looking for materials; a sturdy palette or discarded piece of furniture that I can take back to my studio and re-work to my will.  It’s the discovery and its potential that starts the process for me.  Retrieving the cast off materials and repurposing them to make something new. The materials needn’t be perfect. A chipped panel or cracked board will be worked into a painting as a detail and will ultimately add to the look and feel of the final piece.  And that cast off material will become anew, as I incorporate my visions of color, life, and re-invention.