Jesse Ferdinand, Kramer Hegenbarth, and Scott Sorensen at Modern Times

The south Minneapolis café – which offers a range of vegan, vegetarian, fair trade, and carnivorous options – is also known for partnering with Twin Cities-based artists. Ferdinand's surreal characters, Hegenbarth's toothy witches, and Sorensen's expressive faces (above) will populate the café walls for a month.  

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

JESSE FERDINAND 

Jesse Ferdinand’s ambient dreamscapes and allegorical visions explore the psychological grey areas that exist on the edges of human perception. “In drawing classes, they say, don’t draw what you think you’re seeing, draw what you’re actually seeing,” he says. “I feel like the world has these utility corridors where you’re off script. It’s almost like I’m populating the places people aren’t.” Ferdinand describes his process as an intuitive synthesis of his long-held interests in art and visual culture. Video game scores, horror films, surrealist painting, fairy tales, and prehistoric art are some of the influences in his work. He also cites pareidolia, the perception of profound meaning in random visual cues, as an influence. “It all goes into my head and ferments in a big pile,” he says. “The art is the mushrooms that comes out of it. My brain is one giant compost pile.”  

Ferdinand has always been an artist, but his latest body of work began in 2015. He has practiced at Interact Center for Visual & Performing Arts since 2022. Most recently, he has presented work at Interact Gallery. In 2023, he presented work at HGA Architects in Minneapolis, MN, and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, MN. 

KRAMER HEGENBARTH 

Kramer Hegenbarth explores texture, fantasy, and humor in his recent series of ceramic rock monsters. Riddled with spikey appendages, forked tongues, and caught saying “Aah,” his work playfully toes the line between familiar forms and imaginary beasts. "These are very imaginative rock creatures," says Hegenbarth. "I was thinking about nature, like plants and animals, when I made them, and a little bit about Little Shop of Horrors (1986). They’re creepy-cute, and each one has its own personality. I like bright colors, the texture, and hardness and softness at the same time – like the teeth and stuff are really pointy, but the rocks are smooth." 

Hegenbarth has practiced at Interact Center for Visual & Performing Arts since 2017. He has presented work in exhibitions at Interact Gallery and the Minnesota Museum of American Art, as well as Visionaries + Voices (Cincinnati, OH). In 2024, he held a solo exhibition at David Petersen Gallery. Hegenbarth is also a member of Interact's performing arts cast. 

SCOTT SORENSEN  

"Clay is difficult. I feel worried about my art. After getting my hands and mind tired, I enjoy the relief of worry in my hands, arms, and thoughts. After my work, I can begin to see and feel the art of emotion. I try to show it with my mask. Sometimes I wish I could wear my masks when I am being Scott." - Scott Sorensen

Scott Sorensen has practiced at Interact Center for Visual & Performing Arts since 2018. He has presented work in exhibitions at Interact Gallery, including Glaze Haze (2023), the annual Great Big Holiday Sale (2018-2023), and Uniquinox: Tarot Alive (2022).  

VIEWING HOURS:

Open during restaurant hours | Monday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

For purchase inquiries, please reach out to Interact Gallery at (651) 756-1246 or gallery@interactcenter.com.

ACCESSIBILITY:

For accessibility information, please contact Modern Times at (612) 886-3882 or moderntimes3200@gmail.com

Image description (above):  An installation view at Modern Times shows ceramic masks by Ferdinand, Hegenbarth, and Sorensen hanging on the wall above wooden booths.