We hate to burst your bubble, but if the new exhibition from CJ Hendry, “Keff Joons,” isn’t on your April calendar, you’re doing springtime in NYC all wrong.
The conceptual artist, who has delighted us with a felt flower market, grown-up playground, and interactive bounce house, is setting up shop in Dumbo this spring with what’s sure to be a colorful, fantastical world.
While you’re venturing down under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, pop in to see what the visionary has in store.
A sneak peek of the CJ Hendry “Keff Joons” exhibition
At this time, Hendry is keeping details mum, but she is teasing fans on Instagram with balloon-themed artwork à la Jeff Koons, an icon who is best known for his “Balloon dog” series, and the inspo behind the project’s title.
You’ve likely caught images of Hendry’s balloon animal drawings and had to do a double take because they are so realistic. But as much as she as enjoys teasing sneak peeks, there’s apparently an unexpected surprise from “Keff Joons.”
“There’s actually no balloons at the exhibition,” she says on Instagram. “How’s that for a little twist? Conceptually, there’s knots of things.”
It definitely leaves an air of mystery, and we’re particularly curious given the fact that she has revealed it is an immersive experience. Just a few weeks before the opening, Hendry takes us on an Instagram tour of the empty Brooklyn warehouse where she is setting up shop.
“I get so much joy out of transforming a space, building a concept that people can walk through I’ve really enjoyed the aspect and the process of building exhibitions and concepts of people,” the artist reveals on the platform. “Whether you’re art or non-art related, you can walk into the exhibition, you can touch it, you can feel it, you can climb on it.”
She added in a press statement, “Keff Joons is my tongue-in-cheek nod at that balance between lightness and impermanence through the lens of Jeff Koons’ incredible balloon sculptures. While Jeff has transformed the balloon animal into an icon of art, I’ve cobbled together these balloon “knots” that forgo structure and form and are totally ridiculous. I’m leaving the real art to the professionals!”
If her previous works are anything to go by, this is sure to be an iconic display. As soon as we learn more about the event, we’ll be sure to pop over with the details. For now, you can get the scoop on the artist’s website and Instagram.
📍 50 Gold Street, Brooklyn
🗓️ Friday, April 11th to Sunday, April 20th, 2025
⏰ 10am-5pm