American artist Andrew Hahn has created a new and exciting medium of pop art know as subversive pop. Hahn’s art explores the psychology of controversial people and themes, including, pop culture icons, celebrities, artists, musicians, conspiracy theories, political figures, religious icons and ideologies. The art is laced with dark tones coupled perfectly with vibrant color and childlike wonderment -- confusing the viewer’s eye at first glance with the hope that upon deeper study the true meaning reveals itself.
Andrew Hahn was born in the southern realm of North Carolina into a deeply religious and right wing political family. At an early age Andrew became drawn to topics involving civil rights, gay rights issues, underground films and music, cults and religious groups.
His fascination with these controversial people and concepts often lead to debated discussions amongst his classmates in elementary and middle school landing him in quite a bit of trouble with his teachers and school administrators. Andrew will be the first to admit his views and multi-colored Mohawk perplexed and horrified his parents. At 14 he started to study the Hare Krishna and two years later he had moved into a temple to become a monk – Andrew’s time living in the temple was short lived after he realized that he didn’t really care for the austerities of monk life. Andrew would meet two artists during this time that would have a major influence in his development as an artist – psychedelic artist Bill Mills and _______________. Andrew credits Mills and __________ in teaching him to have perspective and balance within his art.
Later in life he became mesmerized by the countercultures of the underground club and rave scene where he quickly became a DJ and his fusion of Warhol inspired pop art and graffiti was born. Today, Andrew considers himself on the sidelines of pop culture staring from the outside looking in – examining and exploring all the different vantage points of pop and its players. Andrew’s heroes are those individuals that have had a major impact on American culture, often without the notoriety and fame they so deeply deserve.
His debut collection which he has entitled, POP Destroy, is an eclectic mix of all of his interests and influences from childhood to present day. When asked to describe this subgenre of pop art, he replied, “because of the subversive tone I would like to say my art is a kind of POP Couture – like the life we live here in America – its heavy, layered and thick with emotion; colorful yet complicated with an overall dimension of complexity.”
Andrew said, “the idea was to glorify the negative and positive aspects of pop culture; the yin and yang that weigh so heavily on the American psyche. All the while remaining overtly in tact – untouched, unchanged and therefore going unnoticed and most of all unappreciated.” Andrew has a deep fascination with all of his subjects and feels that through this artwork they can truly be explored and receive the proper respect and acknowledgement they deserve.
Andrew Hahn’s collection, POP Destroy is all about the pre-conceived notions that play such a major role in how we as Americans devour all things related to pop culture. An homage against the status quo, and to offer those individuals an alternative to what we have coined modern pop art.
“I have heard many different things when I hear people describe my work, some say it is sarcastic and funny, while others claim it to be uplifting and surreal. And then there are those who perceive the work as dark and disturbing, and in all actuality I accept all of these views to be valid. Because after all, art only comes alive when individuals began to interpret what it means to them after they have viewed it.”
