Cj Hendry’s OPAQUE: All Black Everything

Drawing of OPAQUE (photo courtesy of Cj Hendry) 

By CLAUDIA August 20, 2025

This past weekend at 360 Broadway artist Cj Hendry staged OPAQUE in collaboration with the boutique ice cream company Jeni’s.  

(I attended the VIP opening and stopped by over the weekend to see it open to the public. There I had a chance to speak with Pamala Hendry: Cj’s sister, content creator, and part of Cj’s team.)

Jeni's X Cj Hendry's  OPAQUE ice cream (photo courtesy of Cj Hendry)

I have been to several of Hendry’s past concepts and was excited to hear that she was partnering with Jeni’s to collaborate on a new flavor and have a popup to launch it, as well as a new series of prints that look good enough to eat. My excitement increased when the day before the opening, a box was delivered to my home containing a cooler, dry ice and half a dozen pints of Jeni’s ice cream. Those familiar with Jeni’s know that their flavors are delicious but what I really love is their commitment to natural ingredients and grass grazed dairy. I'm always looking for brands that have clean ingredients and are also delicious which isn't always so easy. Having never tried Jeni’s before, I was instantly converted and ate almost half the Brambleberry Crisp while standing in front of the freezer in a daze… After collecting myself I tried all the other flavors and they were all equally delicious. I left OPAQUE pint unopened, waiting to taste it at the opening so I’d get the full, immersive experience. The label promised  a rich fudge ice cream with the addition of cherries, balsamic and espresso.  

“Jeni’s doesn’t have a storefront in New York and it’s such a blimming hot day. It’s just a really nice union. They were so fantastic to work with through this partnership.” -Pamela Hendry

The popup was in the heart of Soho nestled between Cipriani and Ladurée, and across from Gucci. The small all black storefront standing out somewhat due to the vintage style all black picnic tables with metal umbrellas set up outside, and largely due to the young, beautiful, fashionable crowd pouring out onto Broadway. Brightly colored in their summer art opening best, and all clutching jet black cones, as well as waffle bowls sitting in big custom black silicone holders. When I arrived again on Saturday there was a long line of Cj and Jeni's fans waiting in the sun. Each vigorously trying to keep the heat at bay with one of the custom black fans that were being  given away to help midigate the blistering heat. 

Rows of OPAQUE (photo by Claudia)

Interior of space (photo courtesy of CJ Hendry)

Inside was all black from floor to ceiling. Custom cowhide seating lined the left wall and to the right were rows and rows of barrels of all black OPAQUE ice cream being scooped as well as someone hand making Black Buttercrisp waffle cones and bowls. At the very end of the room was the only piece of art; a x drawing of a single scoop of black ice cream which was not available for sale but was up for grabs. More on that in a bit…

View from inside popup on Saturday at noon (photo by Claudia)

Cones being made (photo by Claudia)

“For a pop up to be three days and to execute it so beautifully; the attention to detail of the storefront like this, from the custom leather couches to the black tiles…Cj’s viewpoint is 'go the extra mile' because the little things really add up.” -Pamela Hendry

This time Hendry certainly went the extra mile. For OPAQUE she has created a series of twelve prints. Each is of a drawing of a different flavored scoop of ice cream, comes in an edition of 100 and cost $199 each.

Collection of twelve prints (photo courtesy of Cj Hendry)

Unlike other print editions Hendry has done in the past, this time all prints will be sold “blind box” style with buyers not knowing which color they have until they peel back the packaging. And as with most blind boxes, there is an opportunity to find a “special” print. Amongst the 1,200 prints is one “OPAQUE” print which comes along with the original piece displayed at the popup and valued at $450,000. 

OPAQUE drawing displayed at popup (photos by Claudia)

Prints are available at https://cjhendrystudio.com/products/jenis-editions and Jeni’s X Cj Hendry’s OPAQUE will be available online at https://jenis.com/products/opaque and at select retailers as well as Jeni’s Ice Cream shops which will also have Black Buttercrisp waffle cones and bowls available. While supplies last.

“It’s just been so fun and so well received and the New Yorkers have come by to enjoy it. It’s been awesome” -Pamela Hendry

(Cj Hendry is also putting on Flower Market 2.0 this September 19-21 transforming the center plaza of Rockefeller Center into a vibrant hands on experience with a garden of oversized plush flowers for visitors to touch, explore and play in. Last years Flower Market in Roosevelt Island was a massive hit and 2.0 looks to be even bigger so mark your calendars, and get there early.)