Duncan Hannah
Duncan Hannah is an American artist and author of several books, including Tapestries: A Novel, The Everlasting String, and The Eyes of Beauty, among others. Born in 1952, he grew up in the Midwest and graduated from Harvard College. Hannah has since become a critically acclaimed author and well-known figure in the world of contemporary fiction.
Although his literary career began in the 1980s, Hannah is probably best remembered for his 1974 debut novel Tapestries: A Novel. This novel tells the story of a young man who, after being wounded in Vietnam, struggles to reestablish a sense of self and discover a place to call home. This coming of age novel is full of unique characters, from a mute Vietnamese girl to a tough-as-nails drill sergeant. Through it all, Hannah’s Tapestries further explores the unique relationship between soldier and civilian in times of war.
In 1985, Hannah’s second novel, The Everlasting String, was published. This novel follows a group of young musicians who form a band in the late 1960s. Although they seem destined for success, their unlikely dreams are slowly thrown into chaos with the changing climate of the era. This time of turbulence is described using Hannah’s characteristic style of clear, sensitive prose and heightened detail. His most recent novel, The Eyes of Beauty (2013), was met with similar critical acclaim and follows the story of a young artist trying to find her place in the modern world.
Hannah is, first and foremost, a visual artist. He paints and draws, but also deconstructs images by rephotographing found photographs. He has had solo exhibitions at many prestigious art institutions, such as The Whitney Museum of American Art and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Furthermore, Hannah has had many essays, stories, and articles featured in a wide range of publications, including The New York Times Magazine, Vogue, The Paris Review, and Art Forum.
In addition to his creative pursuits, Hannah has also written extensively about pop culture. He has previously written for the New York Times, the Village Voice and Interview Magazine, and has contributed to documentaries on artists such as Warhol, Basquiat and Koons. Hannah has also been selected as a visiting lecturer at numerous universities, including Columbia and NYU.
Overall, Duncan Hannah is an artist and author whose works are as visually striking as they are thought-provoking. His books and art combine beauty and truth, allowing readers and viewers alike to gain a deeper understanding of the past. With his signature combination of vivid American imagery and thoughtful insight, Hannah continues to make a lasting impact on the world of fiction and art.