Hense has taken some time off from painting massive murals to get some work done in the studio. He has 2 openings this month. Here is a preview of his exhibition taking place in Chicago at Maxwell Colette Gallery. The exhibition will focus on a new series of paintings from Hense. Hense has made a nice progression from graffiti to painting abstract non objective imagery. In the artists words “combining the language and techniques of graffiti art with the formal language of painting in [the] studio.” and that his paintings “Combining the language and techniques of graffiti art with the formal language of painting in [the] studio.” and that his paintings“. This combination of tools and a life’s experience of mark making are a perfect platform to explore with paintings. Hense’s new work relays a colorful palette that moves as much as the brushstrokes and mediums. Working with range of mediums from Ink, Acrylic, House paint, graphite, and Spray paint Hense is able to build texture through the application of these various mediums allowing him to contrast the new and the old. The old marks of brush and graphite are juxtaposed with spray paint and ink normally used for graffiti. These small but important aspects of Hense’s work make him a true contemporary not only working in past abstract styles but creating new images and paintings of our time. A truly contemporary piece of artwork. If you are in Chicago make sure you take the time to go see this show.
GF
HENSE: New Paintings
June 15, 2013 – July 20, 2013
Opening Reception: Saturday, June 15, from 6pm – 10pm.
Maxwell Colette Gallery is pleased to announce its next exhibition featuring public artist Alex HENSE Brewer. HENSE: New Paintings will debut a body of large-scale paintings on wood and smaller works on canvas from the internationally lauded muralist. The gallery will host an opening reception for the artist on Saturday, June 15 from 6pm – 10pm.
HENSE’s work is fluid and playful. It is a delicate interplay of geometric shapes, organic forms, abstract lines and frenetic squiggles executed in a furious effusion of saturated pastel hues. His massive, free-form paintings and epic public mural installations are not what you would expect from someone with HENSE’s Graffiti pedigree. His work is a natural extension of the radical visual legacy of Abstract Expressionism, but it is imbued with a palette purloined from some tropical paradise and a swagger that places it firmly in the current Post-Street Art age. HENSE says he is “combining the language and techniques of graffiti art with the formal language of painting in [the] studio.” and that his paintings “are invigorated by the quick pace and commentary of street culture.”
Alex HENSE Brewer’s nearly two decades working in the realm of public art grants and commissions has produced exterior works across the U.S, and abroad in Spain, France, Japan, Taiwan, Peru and Mexico. In April 2013 he completed a massive commissioned wall in the heart of Lima, Peru. In the fall of 2012 he garnered national attention for his treatment of the entire exterior of a historic church in Washington, D.C.. His work is held in numerous collections including The High Museum of Art in Atlanta. Complete information about HENSE may be found on hensethename.com.
Exhibition Location: 908 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL
Open hours: noon until 6pm, Wednesday through Saturday
Maxwell Colette Gallery | 908 N. Ashland Ave | Chicago, IL 60622
T: 312 496 3153 E: gallery@maxwellcolette.com
