Hyperrealistic Artist Reveals Daring New Jet-Black Ice Cream Masterpiece

Earlier this month, Cj Hendry embarked on a new chapter in her artistic journey. For years, the artist has been crafting hyperrealistic paintings featuring everything from McDonald’s takeout bags and Rolex watches to balloon hearts and drooping cigarettes. However, she now appears to be yearning for something a bit sweeter. On August 14, 2025, she officially introduced a monochrome, jet-black ice cream in collaboration with Jeni’s, a premium brand celebrated for its rich ice cream.

Named OPAQUE, the ice cream challenges any preconceived ideas about what this cherished treat should appear as. While most ice creams are colorful and bright, OPAQUE opts for a moody and lush presentation, pairing its dark hue with bold flavors such as black cocoa, espresso fudge, and balsamic cherry. At first sight, these scoops can seem daunting, resembling small pieces of charcoal and giving no indication of the experience waiting beneath its solid exterior. Even after a single bite, OPAQUE’s indulgence is immediately evident: it is familiar in its fudginess yet sophisticated with its smooth hints of cherry and espresso. This contrast is precisely why OPAQUE excels beyond being just a limited-edition item—it operates much like Hendry’s art, where expectations are subverted and redefined.

“This wasn’t just about developing a ‘black’ flavor,” Beth Stallings, director of innovation at Jeni’s, mentioned in a statement. “It was about crafting something that is deeply layered, that feels like a discovery of flavors. With OPAQUE, guests will need to trust their senses, allowing the flavor to evolve with each mouthful.”

As part of the OPAQUE collaboration, Hendry also produced new original artworks, each illustrating hyperrealistic ice cream scoops. These signed editions are available in 12 different hues and are typical of the artist’s style, appearing more like photographs than drawings. Notably, the prints are distributed through a lottery system, leaving buyers unaware of which color they will ultimately obtain. In a nod to the famous golden ticket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this drop also includes a single black ice cream print. The fortunate recipient of this particular print will receive a significant artwork by Hendry valued at $450,000.

All of this was prominently featured during OPAQUE’s three-day, immersive pop-up event in Manhattan, specifically designed to reflect the ice cream’s aesthetic. Inside, the walls were adorned with glossy, black tiles, while seating, flooring, and additional elements were, as expected, also steeped in black. My Modern Met had the opportunity to attend the pop-up’s VIP opening, where scoops of OPAQUE were served in custom black waffle cones, adding a gratifying and sweet crunch to the otherwise creamy treat.

“We aimed to create an experience that expands sensory limits,” Hendry expressed. “Eliminating color enhances your perception of everything else—the texture, the taste, the feeling. It’s subtle, it’s striking, it’s unlike any ice cream shop you’ve ever entered.”

To discover more about OPAQUE, visit Jeni’s website. And for additional updates from the artist, follow Cj Hendry on Instagram.

OPAQUE, Cj Hendry’s latest collaboration with the boutique ice cream brand Jeni’s, aims to capture attention and challenge our assumptions regarding art and food.

The jet-black ice cream is accompanied by several new prints crafted by the acclaimed hyperrealistic artist.