Subliminal Projects is pleased to present ISO BALL, a collection of new works by Philadelphia-based artist Jim Houser. Made in a three-year period from 2019 to 2022, this series of work focuses on an associative theme of interconnectedness, presented in paintings, collage, sculpture, and displayed in Houser’s distinct site-specific installation method.
Jim Houser is a self-taught artist, musician, designer, and original member of the renowned artist collective Space1026 in Philadelphia. He is celebrated for his iconic patchwork paintings, color theory, stylized figures, and for challenging the definition of object versus painting. For ISO BALL, Houser further develops his unique visual language through an emphasis on execution and concept.
“I have been increasingly focused on the way in which I approach art-making, and examining my practice," Houser says. "For me, art-making, music, skateboarding all involve these similar repetitive routines which allow for some form of meditation to occur. Much of the work in this show is an examination of how intertwined these three things have become for me."
“I’ve known Jim Houser since the mid-90’s when he worked with me in Providence primarily cutting stickers by hand," Shepard Fairey, Subliminal's founder, said. "At the time, his unique drawings began to evolve into complex compositions of characters and typography within a mosaic of color blocks. This approach to his work has only evolved to become more sophisticated and beautiful over the years. Jim’s pieces straddle several aesthetic zones harmoniously, allowing them to be playful, mesmerizing, and profound all at once. Because Jim’s pieces work as entire compositions, with so many compelling elements at different scales, they must be seen in person.”
