Chaos Rising by Handbrake

If, like most people, you have never seen a hand-painted Robinson R66 turbocharged helicopter, and you would like to, you have two options: paint one yourself, or go see Handbrake’s new exhibition, Chaos Rising, when it opens at the Old Pickle Factory in late May.

The first option is exactly what the self-taught, internationally renowned artist behind Handbrake, Hans Bruechle, has done for his second solo exhibition. “I’ve never seen a hand-painted helicopter before, so I thought, why not do it myself? Chaos Rising is all about taking objects to the next level. I want people to see my work and say ‘Oh, that’s awesome!’

“I’ve always been interested in usable art; artwork on objects that people wear, ride or use. I still love traditional gallery canvasses, but I think useable art is more accessible every day and for everybody. Plus, it brightens up your life. The art world tends to take itself a bit too seriously and that makes it exclusive rather than inclusive. Art should be for everyone.”

In addition to 30 original Handbrake artworks on display and available for purchase, Chaos Rising will also include a custom Rogue Motorcycles display, an award-winning hand-painted Café Racer motorbike and Handbrake’s signature hand-painted denim jacket line, skateboard decks, merchandise and apparel on display.

And while Sunday’s Open Day is more of a family-friendly affair, attendees to the 18+ Saturday night event can expect FREE live tattooing (Handbrake designs, of course), the tunes of DJ Mike de Wet and DJ Boston Switch, custom-created Handbrake cocktails by West Winds Gin, plus FREE finger lickin’ catering (think sliders, mac & cheese and fries) from RoyAl’s Chicken and Burgers.