This fall, HEES in partnership with Aktion Art and Culture Pulse released an exclusive limited edition set of seven NFTs at Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in Charlotte, North Carolina. The release marks the first time a US-based museum premieres a set of NFTs by an American artist. HEES NFTs will be on view through January 2, 2023 in “Pop to Now: Warhol and His Legacy” in group show featuring work by Andy Warhol, Basquiat, Keith Haring, Kristin McIver, and ThankYouX. 

Alongside his large-scale paintings on view at the museum, a screening room displays HEES animations, his seven NFTs on the topic of humanity: “Human,” “Grow,” “No Limits,” “Energy,” “Laws,” “Prism,” and  “Life.” The number seven centers HESS's artistic practice; there are seven attributes of physicality, seven musical notes in a heptatonic scale, seven prismatic colors, seven is the PH balance of pure water, seven continents. seven divided oceans, and seven days in a week. These ingredients of life—geographical, natural, and creative—are also reflected in HEES signature which five bars represent time, energy, sight, sound, and physicality. Clues and references to these elements are cleverly coded in numerics and symbology within the animated works 

Accompanied by a quote and musical scoring each of the seven NFTs that are listed on Culture Pulse, “The NFT arena has given me a new and exciting platform to get my message out to the public. It has also given me many new tools to create with,” says the artist. 

HEES collection of seven NFTs reflects his journey of self-actualization and healing. The artist’s life changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013. Unable to work, and facing both personal and financial ruin, he underwent a period of tremendous hardship and personal transformation through which he discovered a renewed passion for painting. His works became the centerpieces of his healing process, and HEES put his love, light, will to live and hope for a better life into them. HEES has a profound point of difference from most NFTs in the marketplace because of his commitment to reminding people what it means to be human. 

In addition, Culture Pulse released two more of HEES NFTs centered around the power of music in relation to its effect on the human experience. The inspiring series of NFTs create a fully immersive experience rooted in meaning. Originally intended as a photography project, HEES had traveled to difficult-to-reach areas with impressive landscapes such as Joshua Tree, Glamis Dunes, Salton Sea, a cracked dry lakebed outside of Vegas, railroad tracks close to the Trona Pinnacles and the rocky west coast with his camera. Exploring NFTs HEES decided to revisit this imagery utilizing it to convey how music transcends all boundaries. “Even the universe has a hum,” he reminds us. ”The Power of Music Will Guide You Home” consists of a digital film of a guitar moving toward the viewer across the water with effects created in post-production. Poetically the audio accompanying the NFT is a strong wind. While “Music Transcends” is a visual and auditory journey through the artist’s mindscape. 

See the NFTs l Follow HEES on Instagram l HEES website

About the Artist

HEES is a  self-taught contemporary artist whose work specializes in themes that address what it means to be human. Born 1962, in Corpus Christi,Texas, HEES began his career as a painter, makeup artist, photographer, brand consultant, creative director and producer. During his 30 year career in beauty and photography he worked with some of the world's biggest brands such as; Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, BELK, STILA, Kevyn Aucoin Beauty, E Entertainment and many more. He has photographed some of the biggest names in entertainment including Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Annie Lennox, Lisa Marie Presley, Fergie, EG Daily and Christina Aguilera. However, his painting always remained his passion, and dearest to his heart throughout his photography career.

HEES positive messaging and intriguing painting techniques have propelled him onto the international art scene. Bought by many major collectors across the world, HEES finds himself inundated with demand. He has donated his paintings to charities and has raised over $100,000 for the AMFAR gala and The Norton Museum’s 80th Anniversary ART Auction. He is currently showing at Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in the “Pop to Now: Warhol and his Legacy” exhibit featuring Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, ThankyouX, and Kristin McIver. HEES will open his first gallery solo show in November 2022 at Wynn Fine Art in Palm Beach with Aktion Art.

About the Partners

Culture Pulse bridges the world of physical collectibles and digital NFTs. One-of-a-kind collectibles like game-worn sports memorabilia, fine artwork, and more. Build your phygital collection in the physical world and digital world.

Aktion Art is a full-service art gallery, advisory and dealership specializing in a wide array of works, ranging from emerging contemporary names to museum-quality artists. Founded by Nick Hissom and his partner Kameron Ramirez, their combined experience in art and entertainment is unmatched, spanning more than two decades.

The Bechtler Museum located in Charlotte, NC is the second museum in the United States to be designed by the Swiss architect Mario Botta. Its collection includes works by the most important and influential artists of the mid-20th century including Miró, Giacometti, Picasso, Calder, Hepworth, Nicholson, Warhol, Tinguely, Ernst, Le Corbusier, Chillida and many others. The museum also hosts traveling exhibitions. 

For images and press inquiries please contact Anna Mikaela Ekstrand info@cultbytes.com.