Sharon Hayes uses performance, video, sound, text, archival materials, and installation to explore the grammar behind political language and historical narratives. Her works involve a complex intermingling of political speech, such as that used in protests or public addresses, and personal writing, such as letters or diaries. Hayes seeks to voice and demonstrate ideas of possible resistance through efforts of engagement and collaboration, often beyond the walls of the gallery, while also addressing the affective aspects inherent in our political and cultural norms. Hayes has exhibited widely across the world. She has held solo exhibitions at institutions including the New Museum, New York (2020); Moderna Museet, Stockholm (2019); and the Baltimore Museum of Art (2015). She has participated in international exhibitions including the 10th Gwangju Biennale (2014), the 55th Venice Biennale (2013), and the 4th Auckland Triennial (2010). She is a recipient of the Pew Fellowship (2016), the Guggenheim Fellowship (2014), and the Herb Alpert Award in Visual Arts (2013).