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Vaughn Spann

Vaughn Spann devotes his practice to abstraction and figuration as an investigation into space, time and memory. He locates subjects from deeply personal spaces as he reconciles with his body within and out of the studio. With a deep admiration for formalism, he enjoys approaching paintings through the lens of color, line, and shape, but seemingly understands that one's subjectivity can't simply be divorced from the studio. For him, a form is a striking means of generating content in ways that are compelling. His formal investigation permeates throughout his paintings, symbolically reflecting his encounters with diverse people and places. Through his well-known stylistic separations, Spann continues to vigorously experiment with unconventional materials and expands on his personal and historical narratives.

  • Biography

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  • Bibliography

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Selected artworks

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      Before it all burns down, 2025

    Vaughn Spann Before it all burns down, 2025

    Polymer paint, mixed media, canvas on wood panel
    152.4 x 121.9 x 10.2 cm
    60 x 48 x 4 in

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      Beloved Bliss (Big Black Rainbow), 2022

    Vaughn Spann Beloved Bliss (Big Black Rainbow), 2022

    Mixed media, terry cloth, canvas on aluminum stretcher bars
    203.2 x 213.4 x 4.1 cm
    80 x 84 x 1 5/8 in

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      Passages, 2022

    Vaughn Spann Passages, 2022

    Polymer paint, mixed media, canvas on wood panel
    213.4 x 213.4 x 7.6 cm
    84 x 84 x 3 in

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      Deep Six (Night Blue), 2019

    Vaughn Spann Deep Six (Night Blue), 2019

    Polymer paint, fabric and mixed media on canvas
    46 x 40 x 1 1/2 in
    116.8 x 101.6 x 3.81 cm

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      The exchange (north star), 2020

    Vaughn Spann The exchange (north star), 2020

    Polymer paint, fabric, mixed media on canvas
    228.6 x 381 x 8.9 cm
    90 x 150 x 3 1/2 in

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      Sweet Red, 2019

    Vaughn Spann Sweet Red, 2019

    Polymer paint and mixed media on wood panel
    30 x 24 x 3 in
    76.2 x 61 x 7.62 cm

Selected press