Sheridan Russell Gallery

Keith Haynes Biography (b. 1963)

Born in London, on leaving Harrow Art School with a BA(hons) Keith worked as a designer and director at the BBC, making some of the most influential music and arts programmes of the past 20 years.

Keith’s work is a playful and often nostalgic exploration of popular culture and in particular, popular music culture where he has created a remarkable niche within the pop art genre.

Noteworthy for his interesting choice of materials, creating works from the ‘clutter’ of pop culture – button badges, CD’s or, more uniquely, vinyl records. Whether it’s a graphically iconic portrait or a meaningful song lyric, each piece is created from original vinyl records chosen to enhance the subject matter; in these works the Subject and the Object are of equal importance.

“In a digital world where music has lost touch with the visual and the visceral, my work explores the art forms of popular music culture – album sleeves, record labels, badges and, of course, beautiful black vinyl – not only as the subject but also the raw materials.   My work is unapologetically nostalgic, harking back to another time but also looking forward; nostalgic and hopeful at the same time ”.

His current work is exhibited internationally and can be found in private collections in the UK, across Europe, America, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia.

Artist Statement

Keith studied at the Harrow School of Art where he graduated with a BA Hons. He joined the BBC where he has worked as a designer and director on some of the most important arts programmes of the past 20 years, winning many awards. Keith's video work was included in an ICA exhibition on avant-garde film and television.
Keith’s work is a playful and often nostalgic exploration of popular culture, and in particular, popular music culture. Keith's work is also noteworthy for his interesting choice of materials, creating pieces from the 'clutter' of pop culture – button badges, CDs or, more uniquely, vinyl records. Whether it's a graphically iconic portrait or a meaningful song lyric, each piece is created from original vinyl records chosen to enhance the subject matter.