During the interwar period, there was an unprecedented exchange of artistic and intellectual ideas between European Surrealists in exile and their American counterparts. A significant figure in this cultural evolution was David Hare, described by dealer Julien Levy as "brilliant, taciturn, and full of promise."
As one of the few accepted Americans among the Surrealist community, Hare's charm, straightforwardness, and enthusiasm for mythology and automatism in his photography and sculptures garnered immediate recognition. He became a pivotal figure in both Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism, working with Andre Breton on the Surrealist magazine VVV and showcasing his art in influential exhibitions like the First Papers of Surrealism.
Peggy Guggenheim, a prominent art dealer, gave Hare his first solo exhibition in 1944, praising him as "the best sculptor since Giacometti, Calder, and Moore." Hare's work was featured in important exhibitions and galleries, including those at Art of This Century, Julien Levy's gallery, and Kootz Gallery.
Museums across the U.S. collected and exhibited Hare's art, with notable curators such as Grace McCann Morley and Jermayne MacAgy recognizing his genius. His work was also featured in significant exhibitions at NY MOMA and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Throughout his career, David Hare's artistic contributions left a lasting impact on both Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism.