Globally acclaimed, New York-based artist Cj Hendry is making her highly anticipated return to Australia with Lost & Found at Chadstone.
Is Cj Hendry Australia’s most famous artist? Her return presents a unique chance to discover what happens when art becomes participatory rather than passive.
The hyper-realistic drawing specialist will transform Chadstone into an inspiring wonderland with her latest exhibition Lost & Found, featuring new original artworks across three distinct sites within the cultural epicentre.
Hendry’s Lost & Found exhibition will deliver a world-class experience of hyperrealism, playful design and large-scale physical environments, similar to her exhibitions that have captivated millions worldwide. The artist’s unconventional approach has earned her a rapidly growing cult following, with social media numbers that surpass the likes of Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman and Yayoi Kusama.
Cj Hendry – Lost & Found
- Where: Chadstone, Melbourne
- When: 19 June to 20 July
- Learn more here
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The centrepiece of Lost & Found will be an interactive maze of vibrant coloured padlock walls, where visitors can immerse themselves in a labyrinth designed around Hendry’s meticulous study of keys as both precious objects and utilitarian devices. This isn’t about observing from behind velvet ropes; this is a chance to immerse yourself in the work of one of the world’s most sought-after artists.
The exhibition explores the emotional complexity of getting lost to find something new through a saturation of mazes, offering visitors keys to unlock collectible pieces throughout their journey. Displacement is a recurring motif within Hendry’s work—she was born in South Africa, raised in Brisbane, and moved to New York in 2015.
Hendry’s work constantly pushes creative boundaries, with projects that blur the line between art and spectacle. Her New York exhibition Flower Market drew such overwhelming interest that the police had to shut it down, while her HOOPS sculpture at Art Basel Miami transformed art viewing into competition—visitors could claim a one-million-dollar prize by sinking 34 consecutive basketball shots.
“I’m so excited to be bringing an exhibition to Australia after so many years – it’s a place that has always fueled my creativity and inspired my work,” Hendry said.
“Art should be for everyone, and I love pushing the boundaries to make it more engaging in fresh and unexpected ways. Partnering with Chadstone to bring this vision to life has been a dream come true. It’s all about breaking down barriers, inviting people into the world of art, and letting them curate pieces that truly speak to them.”
Three distinct exhibition sites
Lost & Found will span three carefully curated locations throughout Chadstone, with each site offering a different aspect of the artist’s vision, from interactive experiences to luxury art purchases.
The exhibition sites include:
- The Maze: A large-scale interactive maze of bold-coloured lock walls, where visitors seek locks to match their keys
- The Vault: An exclusive presentation of original Cj Hendry artworks inspired by locks and keys, alongside limited-edition merchandise available for purchase
- Ah-MAZE-ing School Holiday Program: A bright inflatable maze with interactive programming, including key chain creation and mini maze building
A cultural convergence
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With over 20 million visitors annually, Chadstone is an ideal venue for Hendry’s boundary-pushing work. The monumental scale reinforces what visitors already know about Chadstone—that it’s an ultimate destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, and unique experiences.
“Cj Hendry’s art is bold, thought-provoking, and impossible to ignore – it challenges perspectives and sparks conversation,” Daniel Boyle, Chadstone Centre Manager added.
“At Chadstone, we’re always looking for ways to merge culture, creativity, and entertainment, and this collaboration is a perfect example of that. We’re thrilled to bring such a dynamic and immersive experience to our visitors, giving them a chance to engage with art in a way that’s both inspiring and accessible.”
The luxury aesthetic of Chadstone mirrors Hendry’s high-gloss, highly detailed and aspirational sensibility, while her work maintains its characteristic twist of critiquing as much as it celebrates. This duality transforms an ordinary visit into something profound and unexpected. After witnessing Hendry’s ambitious fusion of art, commerce and community engagement, you may struggle to get excited again about a traditional exhibition.
Moreover, after a decade establishing herself as an international phenomenon, thanks to Chadstone, the Australian artist is returning home with a collection of new, original artworks specifically created for her compatriots. It’s the place to be this winter.
Visit Chadstone from 19 June to 20 July to experience Cj Hendry’s exhibition Lost & Found. Head to chadstone.com.au/cjhendry to learn more.
This article was made in partnership with Chadstone.
