Jesse HleboMusic / States of IndependenceJesse Hlebo's art says fuck the policeThe New York artist and constant collaborator is selected by UNO to share two works inspired by police brutality, loud music shows and criminological theoryShareLink copied ✔️August 15, 2014MusicStates of IndependenceText Claire Marie Healy As part of our new summer US project States of Independence we've invited our favourite 30 American curators, magazines, creatives and institutions to takeover Dazed for a day. Uno – the convention-blasting, genre-straddling, Brooklyn-based electronic dance music label – are taking over Dazed for the day. They welcome us to their world with a curated selection of their favourite artists of the moment, including exclusive treats from Mykki Blanco, Gobby and Ian Isiah. For the hyper-faceted Jesse Hlebo, music reflects art reflects life. An artist, photographer, curator, graphic designer and publishing house/record label founder (at Swill Children), the man is basically superhuman. A close collaborator of UNO who has exhibited at MoMA PS1 and the Luminary in St. Louis, Hlebo’s NY base provides the locus for all his creative endeavours. Though heavily embedded in the biggest thing that has ever happened to any of us – the Internet – his pursuits are predominantly inspired by everyday crises and trauma IRL. His own encounters with police brutality and enforced methods of societal control have featured almost consistently in his work; a focus which, given the recent deaths of African-Americans such as Eric Garner and Trayvon Martin at the hands of police brutality, makes his art ever more urgent for now. Hlebo shared a new piece and clip with us, below. BEING NOW 2 SOON OR NOTHING, WHATEVER "The text is derived from notes in my phone that I save when I'm at loud music shows and am trying to communicate with people and can't hear them. The photos are from a fuck the police protest in Brooklyn last year in response to the murder of Kimani Gray in Flatbush. The other photo is of the church across the street from my studio that is covered in scaffolding and being turned into condos." being now 2 soon or nothing, whateverJesse Hlebo FOR BRATTON "[quoting Wikipedia] The broken windows theory is a crimonological theory of the norm-setting and signalling effect of urban disorder and vandalism on additional crime and anti-social behaviour. The theory states that maintaining and monitoring urban environments in a well-ordered condition may stop further vandalism and escalation into more serious crime." Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.TrendingIlia Malinin breaks the ice – and his silenceHe does things on a skating rink that were once thought impossible. But the ‘Quad God’s’ setback at this year’s Winter Olympics brought new fire and energy to a skater seen by many as the greatest of all time Life & CultureArt & PhotographyErotic fiction, photography and design from Dazed Clubbers Nike FashionNike celebrates the culture of soccer ahead of a summer shaped by the gameArt & PhotographyMost loved photo stories of May 2026Art & PhotographyThese intimate portraits examine India’s influencer cultureBeautyHoroscopes June 2026: Love deeply, take risks, and embarrass yourselfBeauty10 of the hottest Instagram accounts fusing art, sex and eroticaLife & Culture5 times ‘Quad God’ Ilia Malinin did the impossible on the iceFilm & TV7 sex worker-approved films about sex workEscape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy