CAUTION: This Exhibition May Cause Spontaneous Laughter and Pleasant Confusion

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 Childhood Oddities to Alien Confidantes

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.

The Birdhouse Series: Uncovering Hidden Americana

Gallery visitors will be greeted by a constellation of over 20 meticulously crafted birdhouses, each suspended from the ceiling at varying heights. Inspired by rundown countryside shacks that served barbecue by day and transformed into underground booze-and-burlesque clubs by night, these miniature marvels capture a slice of 1960s and '70s Americana. They tell the story of secretive venues in "dry counties," where prohibition reigned, and outsiders rarely ventured. Foti's creations preserve the raw energy and clandestine charm of these forgotten spaces, offering a unique glimpse into a bygone era—all while giving visitors a slight case of vertigo as they gaze upward at this floating neighbourhood of artistic nostalgia.

The Penis Paper Weight Series: Not Your Average Office Supply

One of Foti's more audacious collections is the Penis Paper Weight Series. These pieces, shaped like their namesake, serve as both a bold statement and a vessel for complex artistry. Enclosed within is a carefully curated selection of objects in a game of hide-and-seek, where each new angle reveals another layer of Foti's clever craftsmanship, resulting in a series that is equal parts shocking, hilarious, and surprisingly beautiful.

Mixed Media Dioramas: Peek into Foti's Brain (If You Dare)

Foti's dioramas are displayed in deep picture frames, serving as windows into pocket universes with intricately crafted narratives that play by their own rules. These densely populated works combine found objects with Foti's distinctive oddities, rewarding patient observers as new details emerge with each viewing. They whisper secrets through a language of objects, inviting viewers to piece together the story. Or better yet, to create their own.

"My favourite response I like to get is when someone says "what the f*** is that"?! I want to take them to a weird place that may make them a bit uncomfortable but usually makes you laugh at the absurdity. I hope they have fun & can embrace the weird." — Joe Foti

A Final Tickle for Your Brain

In a world that often takes itself too seriously, Foti's upcoming show promises a refreshing dose of absurdity. If you're on this planet, come join us as we dive headfirst into the whimsical world of Joe Foti at JPS Gallery in Hong Kong.