Jason Herr

Jason Herr's works transcend the confines of tangible reality as he constructs dreamlike universes governed by their own rules. Working primarily with graphite, coloured pencil and watercolour on paper, Herr’s works are meticulously executed, as they tread on the lines of anxiety and absurdity. He delves into dualism, specifically exploring the separation of the mind from the physical brain. Drawing inspiration from near-death experiences, where individuals describe their conscious selves detaching from their bodies before returning.

Through these alternate realms, Herr offers a glimpse into his inner world while shedding light on the inherent absurdity of existence. The characters in his works appear contorted, responding to uncanny situations that evoke a profound sense of isolation and loneliness, symptoms that pervade our contemporary world. Each character contains elements of the artist himself, yet they inhabit a distinct parallel universe. According to Herr, they are "self-portraits hidden behind a mask," representing personal reflections and, by default, the universal human experience. As he embraces the ambiguity of emotions entangled in a place where normalcy is expected, he provides insights into the complex tapestry of human emotions and the enigmatic nature of existence.

Jason Herr (b. 1977 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania) graduated with a BFA from the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design in 2016. His work has been part of numerous exhibitions in US and Europe. Some of his recent exhibitions included A Solitary Loop, Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, Pennsylvania (2023, solo); Snakes in the Grass, Newchild, Antwerp (2023); Idle Times: Pop Disorder, Current Space, Baltimore (2023); Le Dessin, Halle Saint Pierre, Paris (2022); among others. He has contributed illustration work for Mondo Zero press, Kus! comics, Lifted Brow magazine, and Future Islands. The artist lives and works in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

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