A breath of fresh air in new gallery

In the abstract art world, Jason Hackenwerth has a blockbuster on his hands. His massive balloon sculptures have been in high demand since 2004, and like an indie rocker with an unexpected hit, he now spends much of his time in airplanes and hotels, en route to his next installation. “I guess it’s because it’s so colorful and unusual,” says Hackenwerth. “Kids love it. Anyone can love it. You don’t need an art degree to appreciate it.”

Hackenwerth readily admits that he’d like to do less of the balloon stuff. But the people want balloons. Balloons pay the bills.

And yet, the 39-year-old makes sure to have a good time with every installation — the assembly of his rubber labyrinths is a performance in itself. Typically, he pumps the music up loud, jumping and dancing as his signature creatures — colorful, wild and complicated — begin to take form. “I just love to rock out. It gets me movin’,” he says. “It helps me to enjoy the process of working in a space day after day.”

‘The Titan and the Fireflies’
The Skybox at 2424 Studios
2424 E. York Ave.

Metro Philadelphia

Recent Posts

Putin likely didn’t order death of Russian opposition leader Navalny, US official says

By AAMER MADHANI Associated Press U.S. intelligence officials have determined that Russian President Vladimir Putin…

6 mins ago

Ahead of visit to Israel, Blinken presses Hamas to accept new proposal for Gaza cease-fire

By JOSEF FEDERMAN and SAMY MAGDY Associated Press The United States stepped up pressure for…

12 mins ago

There are plenty of reasons to celebrate at MilkBoy this May

A lot is happening the first week of May for the local bar, restaurant and music…

56 mins ago

Report: Eagles legend Jason Kelce to join ESPN’s Monday Night Football coverage

According to a report from The Athletic's Andrew Marchand, Eagles legend Jason Kelce is set…

2 hours ago

Op-ed: Hunger is solvable, so why aren’t we solving it?

There are three things that shouldn’t surprise anyone anymore: The causes and consequences of hunger…

2 hours ago

Herr’s partners with local artists to debut new ‘Philly Threads’ merch line

Pennsylvania's own local chip empire, Herr's, has recently debuted their own Brotherly Love spirit with the launch…

2 hours ago

This website uses cookies.