Fri 11/15 @ 5pm
This Friday, internationally-renowned, Cleveland-based artist Derek Hess presents his first solo exhibition in Cleveland in nearly 3 years. Hess will present multiple bodies of work – including drawings on vintage Playboy covers and 8-track tapes. The evening will also include a book signing and the premiere of Nick Cavalier’s documentary on Hess’ life and work. Everything goes down this Friday evening at 78th Street Studios as part of their November Third Friday open house.
Hess’ introduction to art started at a young age. His father was head of the Industrial Design department at Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA). Hess attended CIA and College for Creative Studies in Detroit studying graphic design, illustration and printmaking. This cross-disciplinary background payed off after school when he began booking shows at the Euclid Tavern. He began creating promotional flyers for the concerts using his unique style and vision, as well as playing off the band names and genres.
Hess and his business partner, Marty Geramita, turned his art into a business in 1993. Geramita became Hess’ manager and, in the years following, Hess earned attention from national bands and art collectors. His work is currently in the permanent collections of Louvre in Paris and Cleveland’s own Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum. Hess has released numerous books, including Please God, Save Us with local writer/politician Kent Smith, as well as starting a clothing company with Geramita called Strhess. Since his last show in Cleveland, he exhibited in Germany multiple times and recently had a solo exhibition of his 8-track tapes in Los Angeles.
Hess took time out of his busy schedule to discuss the show, what he’s been up to since his last show in Cleveland and other current projects.
Cool Cleveland: It’s been two and a half years since your last solo show in Cleveland. You’ve had highs like shows in Los Angeles and Germany, and lows like losing your beloved Pomeranian, Jose. Can you catch us up on what has happened since you last exhibited in Cleveland?
Derek Hess: Well as you can imagine a lot has happened over the last two and a half years. There have been many exhibits – east coast, west coast and a few trips to Germany. We’ve put out two books, with a third we’re having a book release for on the 15th titled He Aint No Vargas, prints have continued to be a part of my work, and I’ve also started working on 8 track tapes — using the tape case and cover art as my canvas….I’m sure there’s something I really want to bring up that I can’t remember.
You’re certainly making up for lost time with this show. For this event, you’re showing multiple bodies of work, releasing that book, as well as premiering a documentary created by Nick Cavalier. A lot of the work is created on vintage materials. How do these materials play a role in your creative process?
What I’m working on, like the 8 tracks or the vintage Playboys works two ways for me….the color, composition of whatever I’m working on can be pretty rewarding, especially if I pull it off, if the canvas successfully complements the artwork and the artwork complements the canvas….doesn’t hurt to like the 8 tracks and Playboys, too.
Do you plan to continue drawing on nostalgic items?
I have no plans to…but I had no plans to take up with 8 tracks and Playboys…so the safe answer is probably maybe yes we’ll see.
Any other items that you haven’t drawn on yet that you would like to?
I’d like to draw on Black Sabbath’s tour bus….or Sharon Osbourne.
You also have a new, limited edition “Brownie” print on 1930 blueprints for the old Municipal Stadium available through your website. There have always been many references to Cleveland in your work. It’s clear that the city and the people hold a very special place in your heart. You still live and work in Cleveland; how has the city impacted your work, especially your current work? Why was it so important to have this show in Cleveland, specifically 78th Street Studios?
Well about that Brownie print, it sold out in two days…TOUCHDOWN BROWNS! That’s what I always say.
The show in Cleveland is far overdue obviously, and 78th St. makes sense since my business partner, Marty Geramita, started that whole gallery thing rolling in that building along with Jakprints. As far as Clevelanders go, well, why move somewhere and be a stranger, while I can live here and be that. I mean while I can live here and have shared experiences and points of reference that only another Clevelander will get…..Sheaphead, pop, Hoolihan and Big Chuck, Ghoulardi, the Euclid Tavern, and so on…It’s our heritage, all of ours, yours and mine. People in Los Angeles have no idea what I’m talking about and that’s fine with me.
Can you let us in on anything currently in the works?
Well I have two shows shipping back as I write this, Cleveland is the 15th, and it’s a big one including the book release and a documentary on me by Nick Cavalier – trust me, he made me look real good. I’ve recently started working on old Euclid Tavern fliers and will have a bunch in Cleveland as well.
What’s next after this show?
Immediately after the show I’m going to Angelo’s pizza and getting a pie; a friend of mine is coming in for the show and she digs Angelo’s. As far as art shows go, I’m part of William Busta’s 25th anniversary show on January 3rd, and then I’m back to Hamburg in February.
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Hess established himself as an artist that Cleveland should be proud of years ago. Friday night is a celebration of one of Cleveland’s most successful artists at the top of his game. Don’t miss this world-class opportunity! This event is free and open to the public.