James Jessiman

James Jessiman's work explores the intersections of human desire and the value of objects. His teenage employment of testing collectible firearms (tasked with repeatedly firing handgun ammunition into stacks of 1950s pulp Science Fiction and Western magazines) set the tone for the visual language of works that combine themes of the otherworldly with symbols of lust, loneliness and desire.

Through his painted bronzes and sculptures, Jessiman reflects on the absurdity and obsession inherent in the human condition and the behaviours associated with collecting. His material choices are imbued with playful ambiguity, creating a practice that questions whether we use objects or if, in turn, they shape us.

His work for Soliloquy is based on ongoing research into a series of unreleased radio sets by Soviet toy manufacturer Souplast-Ital from Uzbekistan. Designed in 1977 but never realised, receivers were intended to condition children into adopting a positive outlook on the ethos surrounding work and employment through state-controlled radio broadcasts.

Recent exhibitions include a solo presentation with The Artist Room (NADA Miami 2023), 'The Reactor' (The Sunday Painter, London 2023), 'Search Party', (Tatjana Pieters, Ghent 2023), ‘Meltdown' (Ridley Road Project Space, London 2022), 'Pathways on Paper' (South Parade, London 2022).

Born Scarborough, UK, lives and works in London.

© James Jessiman. Photo: Soliloquy (Images Doc).