Sentimental Journey

New Works by Jesse Hazelip

Opening Reception: Saturday, January 9th, 2010, from 7-11pm.

Through: January 30th, 2010 and open to the public.

White Walls is proud to present Sentimental Journey, new works by Jesse Hazelip. Sentimental Journey is a human exploration of death and the lessons ignored throughout North American history. Please join us for the opening reception on Saturday, January 9 2010, from 7-11pm.

World War II greatly influenced this series, where buffalos are named after actual 1950s Bomber airplanes and beautiful Herons are rendered half machine gun, half bird. Jesse uses these animals to open a dialogue about the repeating mistakes of American history. Just as our carelessness have forced bison, an American icon, to the brink of extinction; so has war almost destroyed our country. The Heron is also fused with WWII artillery, although its message differs. This greedy bird is solitary from the flock just as Americans are closed off to their own neighbors. By using recognizable images, Hazelip hopes to reach a larger audience by making his work approachable yet thought provoking.

On a large wooden wall covered in discarded materials, Hazelip works with acrylic, printmaking techniques, and spray paint. On the wall, a mural and large wheat pasted images of the Heron and Buffalo loom over the viewer commenting on the mistakes of our past seemingly ignored by the actions of the present.

Jesse Hazelip was born in 1977 and raised in the mountain desert town of Cortez, CO amidst Navajo and Ute Nation territory. At the age of 14 he relocated to Santa Barbara, CA: an environment vastly different from that of his childhood. It was there that Hazelip took root in the world of graffiti. Through involvement with this underground sub-culture, Hazelip gained an aesthetic and technique that is woven into his artwork alongside the landscape and history of his childhood. Hazelip received his BFA from Art Center College of Design and currently works and resides in Oakland, CA. As a commercial illustrator, he has worked with clients such as Converse, Christian Audigier, Mishka NYC, and National Forest Design. Hazelip has shown extensively at galleries throughout California and his work resides in numerous private collections.

The opening reception of Jesse Hazelip’s Sentimental Journey at White Walls Gallery begins on Saturday, January 9, 2010 from 7-11pm. The exhibit will be on display till January 30, 2010 and is open to the public.