New Year, New Art

The New Children’s Museum has so much to celebrate in 2018! To honor our 10th year as The New Children’s Museum and 35th year in San Diego, the Museum will be filled with new things to engage families and inspire them to think, play, and create within the space.

We can’t think of a better way begin our anniversary year than with one of the most memorable artists from our past: Making his second appearance at the Museum, Jason Hackenwerth will be constructing Crystal Cortex, a massive inflatable structure made out of more than 14,000 latex balloons. From January 7 – 15, Hackenwerth will create the balloon sculpture to span up to 50 feet high and 30 feet wide. Each day, the piece will be raised in the Museum atrium, where all of our visitors can watch the installation become apart of the Museum!

Crystal Cortex is a celebration of the innocence of children. As Hackenworth explains his piece, “born innocent, delicate, and free from the burdensome cares of the world, children are a bottomless resource of joy and unconditional love. As adults, our minds are teeming with prejudice, greed and unrepentant ego. Like the chrysalis, which shrouds a transforming larva, Crystal Cortex is a symbol of metamorphosis. Its long translucent cloak is a reminder of our subtle nature and the rich fiery glow in the voluminous top, a reflection of our brilliant intelligence entombed in painful knowledge.” Jason’s newest piece makes contemporary art accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages.

Jason Hackenwerth received his MFA in painting from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2010 and Bachelor of Fine Art in printmaking from Webster University, St. Louis, MO. 1997. His work has been exhibited in museums around the world including the Solomon R Guggenheim New York, The Victoria and Albert Museum London, and the National Museums Scotland.  Jason’s first piece of work at The New Children’s Museum was debuted during the Animal Art exhibition in 2009 with four spectacular balloon structures that hung in the Museum’s atrium.

As a part of his time at the Museum during our birthday kickoff, Hackenwerth will also host several workshops for Museum members to introduce participants to hidden and valuable aspects of his practice. Members, we can’t wait to see you during these classes on 1/14 (workshops are sold out)!

Not a member, but want to participate in future Members Only activities like this one? Become a member today!

Learn more about Jason and his amazing work by watching the videos below!