Internationally Renowned Artist, Derek Hess to Debut First Exhibition in Six Years
"Not Going to Stop... Until I’ve Gone Too Far"
Opening: November 15, 2024, 5:00-9:00pm | Derek Hess Gallery, Cleveland, Ohio
Internationally celebrated artist Derek Hess, known for his groundbreaking work in fine arts, concert posters and album covers, will debut a highly anticipated new body of work after a six-year hiatus.
This show marks Hess’s first major exhibition since 2018 and presents an exciting evolution of his style while maintaining the raw emotional depth that made him a celebrated figure in both the art and music worlds. Hess first gained recognition in the 1990s for his iconic concert fliers at Cleveland’s Euclid Tavern. His visceral, sketch-driven art resonated with audiences and led to collaborations with renowned bands such as In Flames, Sepultura, and Helmet, cementing his influence in both fine art and pop culture.
The new exhibition was created over the past 11 months and continues Hess’s fearless dive into personal and universal struggles. "Much of the work is based on spirituality and my recovery, as in the state of mind I was in when the image was done," Hess explains. While these new works push creative boundaries with innovative mixed-media techniques, the themes of spirituality and recovery remain central to Hess’s process.
“This show is packed with fresh, raw energy and truly reflects the evolution of Derek’s body of work,” says Martin Geramita, who has managed Derek Hess for over 30 years. “While there’s exciting new depth to these pieces, they still carry that instantly recognizable style that fans have connected with for more than three decades. Get ready for an unforgettable show.”
The exhibition also echoes themes explored in Forced Perspective, the 2014 documentary that chronicled Hess’s battles with bipolar disorder and addiction. Through this new work, Hess offers a raw, visceral look at his personal journey, while inviting viewers to reflect on their own struggles.
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Exhibition Details:
Title: Not Going to Stop… Until I’ve Gone Too Far
Opening Reception: November 15, 2024 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Derek Hess Gallery, 1300 West 78th St, Cleveland, OH 44102
On View: November 15 – December 20, 2024