brad jensen

gross domestic product

a virtual reception will be held via our facebook and youtube pages on june 2nd. Follow us at BRGallery for updates and images!

the in-person FIRST WEDNESDAY OPENING RECEPTION & artICULATE aRTIST tALK have been cancelled for this exhibition due to risks associated with the covid-19 pandemic. the gallery will be open during regular business hours (Tu - Su, 12pm - 6pm) for individuals or groups under 25 people. social distancing and masks are required.

Brad 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.

“I once asked my friend if he would hang an American flag in front of his house. He told me he wouldn’t because he “didn’t want anyone to think he was a Trump supporter.” His reaction justified my suspicion that the American flag was no longer a symbol of union, liberty and justice for all. The flag that we all stood under with our hands over our hearts each morning before school no longer embodied the words we pledged. Now, it represented something else. Does that mean that being an American could also imply something else?

I set out on an exploration through screen prints, collages, and mixed media paintings of what America looks like to me. Through this process, I discovered that nationalism, unfettered capitalism, excessive law enforcement, ulterior foreign motives and gun violence are… gross.

I titled this show Gross Domestic Product. I wanted to use verbiage in a way that subverted its original designation. In many of my pieces the text adds wit, intent and elements of design. This body of work was also meant to be an exercise in my own artistic output. From a production standpoint, I chose to work in the methods of screen printing and stenciling because of my capabilities to create work in multiples and volume. For the subject matter, it was important for me to address how I see America today and to understand where I stood amidst it all.

As cynical as some of the work may seem, we are at the dawn of a new presidency, and I have a renewed sense of hope. I’ve recognize there will always be a struggle. After all, these problems are not new. However, much like flowers in the wild, I believe We the People will continue to grow no matter the restraints put on us.

We shall overcome.” - Jensen

This exhibition is presented alongside the latest works from Jacqueline Dee Parker, & David Scott Smith. All works from these artists are on view, free of charge, during normal gallery hours (12 - 6 p.m., Tue - Sun) from June 1 through July 1.