Propeller Skies

I dropped into Octane this afternoon for a tasty espresso drink and to ogle the smokin’ hot red headed steam extraction engineer. While ordering, I was distracted from my primary main objective by the art hung on the coffee house walls. I found the abstract design vaugely familier and noted the composition alluded to street art. My attention was brought back to the counter when the steam extraction engineer announced my zesty beverage was ready.

I grabbed my cup and wandered over to get a close up view of the art. Several elements in the piece were abstractions of somewhat familiar letter forms. I also noticed the sophisticated layering of elements in the composition. Finally, I glanced at the plaque with the artist’s name and realized why I recognized the style - Hense had produced the artwork.

After viewing all the pieces, I was impressed with how Hense succeeds at producing a feeling of urban alienation on paper. I also liked how the general aura of forgotten spaces where his writing is often found came through. I highly recommend visiting Octane and checking out his work.

First, however, complete the following homework assignment to become familiar with his graffiti. Start with this classic tag, Hense on DeKalb Avenue, move on to one of my personal favorites: Hense flick in Inman Park, detour through the hood and enjoy a photograph of Hense at ghetto car wash, and finally appreciate another Hense image at ghetto car wash.

Last night, my friend Nate and I stopped by an opening at the Young Blood Gallery. The gallery is located in Grant Park and has a very underground feel to it.

The featured artist was Jacob Escobedo. The works displayed were mixed media and consisted of collages and illustrations. I was somewhat into the illustration pieces, which were very cartoonish in nature. In contrast, Nate preferred the collages.

Surprisingly, and in contrast to events I have attended at Eyedrum, there were plenty of beautiful babies in attendance at Young Blood. I enjoyed the opening and recommend checking out the gallery. However, since the gallery specializes in up and coming artists, quality can vary immensely between shows.

Three post-ironic hipsters wearing trucker hats were spotted at the opening.