Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Without a Filter: Step into Stephen Michael Haas’ funhouse at The MakeSpace.

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Word vomit.

Not everyone would use this phrase to describe their work and personality. But Stephen Michael Haas fully embraces the fact that his creative brain and mouth can move a mile a minute, something he fervently channels into his artwork.

The 23-year-old Harrisburg resident already has a lengthy resume. In recent months, he designed a vibrant cover for TheBurg, has enjoyed a solo show at Little Amps, had a full-spread illustration in Harrisburg Magazine, appeared at CASA as a guest artist, completed various murals and has poured his time and energy into what he says is his most ambitious work yet.

Currently taking over The MakeSpace is Haas’ art installation, “Sprung from the Tongue,” a phrase he refined from his working title (that would be the aforementioned word vomit). This ambitious show is an all-encompassing, zany visualization of Haas’ high energy and fast-moving thoughts.

His featured paintings, drawings, writings, cardboard sculptures, audio and even a book of his creative ideas encompass the belief that artistic thoughts are oftentimes spewed from our mouths and minds, revealing personal themes that many people are anxious to express.

“This show doesn’t take itself too seriously. You won’t see fragile paintings on white walls,” Haas said, in his typically rapid-fire speech. “It is a fully tactile experience that pushes the limits of what people have seen at art shows. This is more like a play. This is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. And it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. My goal was to make something that everyone can enjoy.”

Each room has its own installation and a list of Haas’ various art pieces, with the design being reminiscent of Eye Spy books.

“This is Stephen’s interpretation of a ‘mad house,’ where his bold, graphic imagery, words and colors are ‘sprung’ into the environment of The MakeSpace, and, in turn, ‘sprung’ onto the viewer,” explained Valerie Dillon of The MakeSpace. “Expect to have sensory overload in viewing this house filled with Stephen’s own consuming thoughts and feelings that we can all relate to.

Screenshot 2015-01-28 00.02.57Haas takes an approach that challenges viewers’ vulnerabilities, while still allowing them to enjoy a rare, intimate exhibit. His work is quite personal, as though the viewer is reading Haas like an open book.

“I really wouldn’t miss this experience,” said Dillon. “To get inside the mind of an artist, so directly, is a once in a lifetime occurrence. Stephen is putting it all out there in this site-specific installation piece, and the amount of hours he put into the development of this show is impressive.”

Over the summer, when Haas pitched his initial ideas to The MakeSpace, the staff jumped at the opportunity to host the show. According to Dillon, the far-ranging exhibit exemplifies the vision of The MakeSpace as a place for artistic exploration and risk-taking that often isn’t allowed in a more traditional gallery setting.

“The MakeSpace has presented some of Stephen’s work in the past with positive reactions, and this is a perfect place for a show such as this,” she explained. “To have The MakeSpace be a catalyst for an installation environment where Stephen could have the freedom to present a complete vision of his amazing artwork is something we couldn’t pass up.”

Screenshot 2015-01-28 00.02.37For Haas, art is a deeply personal thing. His creative itch began around the age of 4 with a drawing pad and crayons, he said. His artwork is not an entity separate from himself. Instead, it is a visualization of his innermost thoughts, experiences and suffering and a sort of therapy and meditation. When people enter The MakeSpace, they will step into his mind and even their own.

“We read stories of suffering and what others are going through. We all experience these things as we get older,” he said. “I think people will find themselves within [this show].”

Much of Haas’ artwork focuses on language and simple symbols that are very recognizable components, which then create a hip, urban pop style. And, he said, Harrisburg has been the perfect backdrop for this work.

“It is a smaller city, which is a good place to nurture a young person like me,” he explained. “People being interested in my work is one of the most important things to me.”

While Haas has really made his mark within the Harrisburg art community, he hopes this show will leave an impression on those who attend, especially people unfamiliar with his previous work.

“This is the most prolific, amazing thing I’ve done yet,” he said.

“Sprung from the Tongue” by Stephen Michael Haas runs through Feb. 20 at The MakeSpace, 1916 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. Visit www.hbgmakespace.com.

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