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“Art is a way we connect as a species in that moment of now” – Jason Hackenwerth
As I walked into the courtyard at FIGat7th, I noticed a young man with a scratchpad studying a larger-than-life inflatable sculpture. I found myself standing adjacent to him, attempting to decipher what I was seeing. Vibrant and striking, it resembled an animal in structure with a mythical flare.
The eclectic LA vibe sets the scene for Jason Hackenwerth’s inaugural debut of Animal Soul. The artist, who is known for transforming latex balloons into works of art, collaborated with Arts Brookfield to bring his animal-inspired sculptures to life. “I generally make sculptures that resemble all sorts of attributes that you would find in nature. [For example], the universal curve that is in everything…in your elbow, your shoulder, in a frog’s back…all of those things are part of a universal dialogue that we are participating in.”
Cronus, Nagi, and Helio were inspired by Greek mythology and otherworldly creatures, and evoke a fantastical world of magic, light, and balloons. “Animal Soul is intended to surprise those who encounter it with wonder and awe. When we are stunned and amazed by something beautiful and exciting, for a brief moment all of our other thoughts disappear and there is only the experience,” says Hackenwerth. Hackenwerth hopes that visitors will take a moment to quietly reflect on the three animal-like sculptures, showcased at FIGat7th and the Wells Fargo Center. “Allow some quiet in your mind to create a gap in that sensation of constant thought that just seems to never want to stop. When you can finally quiet [those thoughts] and look at some amazing, beautiful art, that is when the real magic and connection occur.”
Known for transforming common materials into an experience, Hackenwerth’s work with latex balloons has been seen across the globe including the Guggenheim, Scotland Museum of Art, Victoria and Albert Museum, the Venice Biennale, and Art Basel, Miami. These creative sculptures are formed by inflating hundreds of latex balloons, which are then strung together in unusual forms and pre-determined color patterns to resemble animals, insects, aliens, and imaginative structures.
Animal Soul will be on display FIGat7th and the Wells Fargo Center daily from noon to 10 pm beginning July 14th, 2017. Each of the three sculptures tower over the city at 20-30 feet high. Hackewerth also created two wearable sculptures comprised of sewn balloons that will double as costumes and come to life through dance. Animal Soul is free to the public.
FREE PUBLIC EVENTS:
To celebrate Jason Hackenwerth’s installation of Animal Soul, Arts Brookfield will host a Show-Your-Spirit Animal Quiet Clubbing Party. Additionally, residents and visitors can take a selfie with Hackenwerth’s Hoppy Mite, an interactive work made of latex balloons. Here are the details on these two free public events.
Show-Your-Spirit-Animal Quiet Clubbing Party
What: Dance amongst these giant sculptures at FIGat7th Plaza and check out Hackenwerth’s wearable balloon sculptures. There will also be a Quiet Clubbing DJ on-hand for a unique, experience. Wear a costume showing your ferocious spirit animal and enter to win a $250 gift certificate to FIGat7th.
When: Friday, July 14 (Happy Hour at 4 pm. Party at 6 pm).
Where: FIGat7th Plaza
What: Take a selfie with the Hoppy Mite, an interactive work made of latex balloons. Climb inside the sculpture, snap a silly photo, and share on social media with these hashtags: #AnimalSoul #JasonHackenwerth #ArtsBrookfield
When: July 17-21, 2017
Where: Various lobbies and public plazas of Los Angeles Brookfield Properties during lunchtime.
For more information about Arts Brookfield and Animal Soul, by Jason Hackenwerth visit ArtsBrookfield.com.
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