EVENT DESCRIPTION
Attention, art aficionados, weirdness enthusiasts, and connoisseurs of the gloriously bizarre! JPS Gallery Hong Kong is about to be invaded by the delightfully twisted mind of artist Joe Foti. Born in Queens, New York, in 1962, Foti has been orchestrating visual marvels for the luxury brand Chrome Hearts’ Art and Science Division since 1990. His artistic vision can be likened to that of a modern-day alchemist, creating art that is a harmonious amalgamation of disparate objects that, against all odds, coalesce into cohesive and thought-provoking masterpieces. Opening on March 20th, Foti’s first solo exhibition, “Souvenirs, Novelties, Party Tricks”, in Hong Kong, will be one part fever dream, two parts nostalgia, and a whole lot of “What the F*** is that?”
Foti’s artistic process is as enigmatic as it is intriguing. When asked about his approach to creating new pieces, he cryptically responded, “I was told by aliens about 300 years ago not to tell anyone.” Despite the otherworldly influences he claims, much of Foti’s art is deeply rooted in aspects of daily life. His inspiration often stems from what he describes as an “odd” upbringing in a small, southern Tennessee town. This juxtaposition of the everyday and the extraordinary creates a unique tension in his work, inviting viewers to perceive the familiar through a lens of wonder and mystery.
Welcome to Foti’s Funhouse
The exhibition will unfold across several intriguing series, each highlighting Foti’s unique style and bold sense of humour. Visitors will encounter some of Foti’s skull-headed characters, each possessing their own elaborate backstory, personal quirks, and inexplicable superpowers. Among the 12 of them are Buford, the proud farmer who invented the Hot Dog tree; Harris Teeter, a culinary prodigy capable of reciting Pi to the 12,234th decimal; and Skippy, a lovestruck pool hustler who will impress gallery- goers as a towering two-meter sculpture in the upcoming show.
ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER
Born in 1962 in Queens, New York, Joe Foti joined Chrome Hearts in 1990 at its inception to oversee the Art and Science Division. It was around this time that Joe furthered his appreciation for art in general, especially due to his mentor and close friend, artist Daryl Trivieri. In 1997, after meeting his wife, Mayumi, Joe began working together with her as a team, locating strange treasures to incorporate into their art. Shortly after their union, Joe and Mayumi moved to Tokyo to work at Chrome Hearts Japan from 1998 to 2003 and continued working on art pieces there.In 2002, during a Tokyo exhibition titled "Fisting Scars," Joe inadvertently gave life to a collection of characters that would become central to his artistic oeuvre. What began as a series of unconventional sculptures designed to enliven standard display cabinets has since evolved into a fully realised alternate universe. These characters, born from Joe's unique vision, serve as a testament to his ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Each figure possesses its own elaborate backstory and idiosyncrasies, reflecting Joe's penchant for blending the familiar with the fantastical. The result is a body of thought-provoking and visually arresting work, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary art.
