Juju arrives as Cj Hendry expands her creative universe in Hong Kong
A new chapter in Cj Hendry’s practice arrives with juju, a character whose quiet demeanor and gentle symbolism introduce a tactile dimension to the artist’s work.
Known for hyperrealist drawings and large-format installations, Hendry shifts her vision into a collectible toy universe shaped with careful detail and emotional resonance.
Juju’s soft posture and single flower over one eye construct a figure that feels present yet enigmatic, a companion designed to evoke sentiment rather than spectacle. Its quiet expression and patient stance allow it to sit comfortably within Hendry’s broader interest in objects that carry narrative weight.
This new figure enters the world through Hong Kong, a city that has become central to Hendry’s evolving relationship with Asia. For her third major project there, she positions juju within the Upper House as the focal point of a seasonal installation.
Two hundred oversized green plush toys form a monumental Christmas tree that rises through the space, creating a sculptural moment that remains accessible and community-oriented. Each plush piece will support Mother’s Choice through an adoption initiative, extending Hendry’s project into a charitable gesture that aligns with the installation’s gentle tone.
The installation continues its presence until early January 2026, after which every adopted juju will be released in a custom wooden collector’s box and paired with a signed and numbered adoption card. This crafted process turns each plush into a keepsake with its own path, reflecting Hendry’s ongoing interest in personal attachment to physical objects.
From there, juju expands into smaller, collectible forms. Bag charms produced in 24 variations bring the character into daily life, offered through blind boxes at a price designed to invite new collectors into Hendry’s community.
These pieces anchor an immersive pop-up at Phillips’ Asia headquarters, where pink shelving, vinyl walls, and plush flooring create a vivid retail-inspired environment.
At its center stands the juju Edition Sculpture, a handcrafted vinyl work limited to eight editions of 100 worldwide, each accompanied by a tailored box and display stand. Visitors will also encounter an eight-foot sculpture and a hyperrealist drawing that reconnect juju to Hendry’s established studio practice.
Merchandise including plush ears, apparel, accessories, and printed items extends the character’s world, reinforcing its presence across different materials and scales. Hendry’s recent projects in Hong Kong—including collaborations with Christian Louboutin and public installations—illustrate her long-term engagement with the city, now deepened by the opening of her local studio.
Hendry describes juju as art designed to be held, while Phillips positions the project at the meeting point of fine art and modern collecting culture. Together, they introduce a character meant to live both within and beyond the gallery, marking a moment where imagination becomes a shared, collectible experience.
All images courtesy of Cj Hendry, shared with permission
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