CJ Hendry’s journey as an artist began in her childhood bedroom in Brisbane, Australia. At the age of 26, she made her first sale by posting her hyper-realistic art on Instagram. The piece that caught the buyer’s eye was a detailed drawing of R.M. Williams boots, which she sold for a substantial sum. Fast forward a decade, and Hendry now commands six- to seven-figure prices for her works, some of which can take over 80 hours to complete. She has a five-year waiting list for her pieces and has a team of 6 to 20 full-time employees working alongside her.
Unlike many artists of her stature, Hendry has not signed with a gallery but has chosen to showcase her work directly to her 744,000 Instagram followers. Her hyper-realistic style resonates well on the platform, making it easily consumable and visually appealing. Hendry’s early posts featured drawings of luxury products like Hermès bicycles, Chanel No. 5 perfume, Saint Laurent shoes, and Louboutin sneakers. To fund her art career, she sold off her high-end clothing and accessories, a testament to her dedication and passion for her craft.
In recent years, Hendry has expanded her practice to include interactive installations that have drawn thousands of visitors. One of her notable works, “Hoops,” a 20-foot-tall steel structure featuring 34 basketball hoops, was unveiled in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District. Hendry’s ability to engage with her audience through these immersive experiences has set her apart from other artists. She continues to push the boundaries of her creativity, evident in her 2021 show, “Blonde,” which featured a series of drawings of wigs displayed in a hair salon-style space.
Embracing Innovation and Collaboration
Hendry’s innovative spirit is reflected in her collaboration with Phillips auction house for the Dropshop initiative. This unique business model offers exclusive online releases of artists’ works, creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity for buyers. The success of the Dropshop initiative, with 100 bronze crowns and a large-scale crown drawing selling out within 24 hours, highlights the demand for her work. Hendry’s ability to create buzz and excitement around her art, both online and offline, showcases her intuitive understanding of social media and audience engagement.
Looking Towards the Future
As Hendry continues to push the boundaries of her art, she remains focused on creating impactful and memorable experiences for her audience. From large-scale installations like “Monochrome” to public artworks like “Hoops” in Miami, she constantly challenges herself to evolve as an artist. With upcoming projects in New York and Las Vegas, as well as interactive exhibitions like “Public Pool,” Hendry’s future looks bright and promising.
CJ Hendry’s journey from a young artist selling art from her bedroom to an internationally acclaimed creator is a testament to her talent, dedication, and innovative approach to art. By leveraging social media, creating immersive experiences, and collaborating with industry partners, she has carved a unique niche for herself in the art world. As she continues to push the boundaries of her creativity and engage with her audience in new and exciting ways, CJ Hendry’s evolution as an artist is a story worth following.