Sentrock: G.A.N.G.

Currently running through May 15 at Vertical Project Space is ‘GANG,’ a new solo exhibition from Chicago-based street artist Joseph “Sentrock” Perez. ‘GANG’ features more than two dozen illustrations and mixed-media pieces exploring life, love and loss through the lens of a young Latino male in 21st-century America — a deeply personal, bravely confessional body of work representing Sentrock’s boldest achievement to date.

‘GANG’ (an acronym for “God’s Angels Never Gone”) draws extensively on Sentrock’s relationships with family and friends in his native Phoenix, Ariz., channeling their triumphs and tragedies to address the realities facing Latino culture and community. The self-taught Sentrock began writing graffiti as a teen, initially crediting his efforts to “Sent” (a derivative of “heaven sent”) before adopting his current alias, which also references his passion for breakdancing culture. In addition to murals across Chicago and throughout the U.S., Sentrock has collaborated with brands including the NBA’s Chicago Bulls, Converse and Toyota. He has also contributed work to many previous Vertical Gallery group and anniversary shows.

Image: Sentrock, Home is Calling, 2021, Limited edition screen print