brad jensen: visual discourse

aug 6 - 29, 2024

FIRST WEDNESDAY OPENING: Aug 7 FROM 6 - 9PM

ARTICULATE ARTIST TALK: SUNDAY, Aug 11, AT 4PM.

NORMAL GALLERY HOURS: TUE - SUN, 12PM - 6PM

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Brad Jensen draws inspiration from vintage advertising and propaganda posters that were meant to be seen on the streets. He created a brand name, ICON, and a mascot. His bold, graphic imagery is evidence of his passion for commercial art and design. Jensen’s years of riding BMX, steeped in the art and music of a counter-culture movement introduced him to the world of graphic design and built the foundation from which his current art arises. Whether it was building ramps, cutting stencils, or printing t-shirts until all hours of the night in his garage, Jensen’s DIY work ethic and dedication give his art a grass-roots edge and iconic feel.

“Visual Discourse is a show rooted in my graphic explorations about contemporary themes that I find important to speak about as a progressive-minded Louisiana based artist.

Throughout the presentation, my vision and voice coalesce in a layered combination of collage, stenciling and screen printing to address issues pertaining to environmental destruction, corporate capture, the abuse of power, gun violence, societal division and the associated warnings that these topics elicit.

The outcome is a clear and precise visual presented on top of a nuanced, detailed and often noisy background that aims to express my point of view but also to provoke thought and conversation that these complex problems deserve.” - Jensen

Jensen is a freelance graphic designer, entrepreneur, and fine artist based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In 2009, Jensen opened an art gallery and boutique called Bricks and Bombs that has hosted dozens of local and national artists. He continues to design and operate several clothing brands of his own (ICON, Highland & State, Southern Made, Bricks and Bombs) and runs a local clothing boutique, Tim’s Garage.

This exhibition is presented alongside the latest works from John Alleyne, Diane Hanson, and Matt Morris. All works from these artists are on view, free of charge, during regular gallery hours (12 - 6 p.m., Tue - Sun) from Aug 6 - 29, 2024.