Prepare to abandon traditional gallery etiquette and immerse yourself in a world of tactile delight. Acclaimed artist Cj Hendry invites visitors to literally dive into her latest exhibition, ‘Pastel,’ a captivating installation featuring approximately one million chunky plastic beads. On view at Salon 94 Design on New York’s Upper East Side, this unique show redefines audience interaction, turning art appreciation into an exhilarating, hands-on experience.
A Childhood Inspiration, Magnified
The genesis of ‘Pastel’ stems from an unexpected source: the beading room of Space Club, a children’s play area in Brooklyn. Hendry observed children—and even adults—eagerly plunging into trays of beads, driven by a primal urge to touch, feel, and discover. Inspired by this uninhibited interaction, she decided to scale up the concept dramatically, creating a vast, swimming pool-sized pit measuring approximately 20 by 30 feet and over two feet deep.
“When I think about it, all of my exhibitions do have a very childlike, play element to them because that’s always where my head goes,” Hendry explains, highlighting a consistent thread of playful engagement throughout her work.
More Than Just Viewing: An Interactive Journey
Visitors to ‘Pastel’ are encouraged to shed their shoes, don Cj Hendry–branded socks, and wade directly into the vibrant sea of pastel beads. Here, they can string together their own bracelets or necklaces, or simply hunt for individual beads to keep as a whimsical souvenir. In a playful subversion of the art market, beads are available for just $1 each, or $50 for a canister of 75. “I bet Salon 94 has never sold art for a dollar,” Hendry quips, underscoring the exhibition’s unconventional spirit.
Bridging Worlds: Art for the Alt-Audience
With a massive Instagram following nearing a million, Cj Hendry has cultivated a diverse audience that often extends beyond the typical gallery-going crowd. Her decision to host ‘Pastel’ at the prestigious Salon 94 Design is a deliberate and provocative choice.
“What we’re building with Pastel should not be in Salon 94,” she states, acknowledging the perceived incongruity. “My world… as an ‘artist’ and Salon 94 as this proper, mega, real gallery colliding is just absurd.” Yet, it is precisely this tension that makes the collaboration so compelling. Hendry notes, “Salon 94 Design understands the importance of experimentation and audience connection. This exhibition creates a bridge between the world I’ve built and a more traditional gallery context.”
Beyond the Beads: Hendry’s Signature Work
While the immersive bead pit dominates the first floor, visitors are also invited upstairs to explore Hendry’s renowned photorealistic drawings and sculptures, offering a broader perspective on her exceptional artistic talent.
Plan Your Visit
‘Pastel’ is on view until August 16 at Salon 94 Design, located at 3 E. 89th St. in New York City. The gallery welcomes guests daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For those wishing to take a piece of Hendry’s hyper-realistic artistry home, collectible edition prints featuring the exhibition’s 24 drawings will be available for purchase on cjhendrystudio.com on August 9 at 7 p.m. ET.
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