THiS iS TRA$H was a one-night-only, interactive art experience, open mic night, and 30th birthday celebration marking Henny’s first and most extensive display of original work.
This event was a goodbye letter to the negative beliefs we may hold about ourselves throughout our lives on our journey to self love, praise, and acceptance. Pulling my own card has long been a twisted sense of safety for me, but coming into my 30th year of life, I decided that I was done dealing with the emotional labor of not believing in myself.
It was time to put this part of myself to rest, —
For Once, For All, For Good.
This event was by no means a small task, and it never would have been possible without the help of my community. This section is a small token of my appreciation for everyone who played a major part in making this event the success that it was.
My dad - for being my personal fabrication assistant, handyman, and “super dad” as he would like to describe himself. The large-scale installations, and therefore the show in general, would not have been possible without him.
My mom & my sisters - for the everlasting encouragement, support, brainstorming, and set-up/breakdown of the event.
Danté, a.k.a. DJ 2x - for not only DJ’ing the event, but for the countless conversations, brainstorming sessions, encouragement, emotional support, set-up/breakdown, and so much more.
DJ & Tom - for helping install/de-install the show, and DJ for always pushing me to pursue my art.
Erin, Jacob, & the rest of the Artist’s Image Resource team - for your flexibility, support, and usage of the venue.
Those not mentioned, friends & family, etc. - for your endless love and support. Thank you for showing up for me in more ways than the tangible.
Please browse below for a visual recap of the event. Pictures are spread across 2 galleries below. The first gallery is courtesy of Ashanté Josey. The second gallery is courtesy of Kayla Henderson.
GALLERY 1
GALLERY 2
For some time now, I have taken a special interest in dumpsters.
This makes sense when considering my life-long appreciation for street art, but I feel that dumpster art is a medium that is noticed on a smaller scale than others in the street art scene. The first thing that might come to mind upon hearing the term “street art” might be spraypaint on a brick wall, a train, a highway overpass, or something else similar. I feel that dumpster art is often overlooked for the same reason our own passions are often overlooked. When you think about just how much we ignore dumpsters and other trash receptacles in general society, this point becomes clearer.
The public disposal of trash is not a flashy experience, and it doesn’t draw too much attention to itself - if anything, it’s seen as a chore. So, why do street and graffiti artists so often choose them as canvases? Are they bringing beauty to a traditionally “ugly” space, or are they choosing to express themselves in the shadows because it’s more comfortable than being seen out in the open?
