Artists statement

Rob McHaffie is known for his skilful depictions of fleeting moments from everyday life, which often evoke humour, pathos and camaraderie. His drawings and paintings involve ‘collaging’ of images and ideas, juxtaposing high and low culture, and emotions.

Casual Guy came from an exhibition of a body of bright, bold and quirky portraits titled 'I can still remember how to speak'. The works are light-hearted with tropical colours, transporting the viewer to an idyllic, utopian place. Influences from his travels in Malaysia and Thailand are clear in these works. McHaffie’s paintings carry a personal and diaristic element, recording the world around him. Trust, love and spirituality are key recurring themes in his works.

In 2025, McHaffie was commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery to paint a portrait of gardening guru Costa Georgiadis titled 'Costa (it's not ours, it's us).