b. San Diego, CA
current: Spokane, WA
email: houstonfryer@gmail.com
About the Artist
Houston Fryer is a Washington state based artist making work that examines systems of harm in a practice that spans drawing, painting, performance, and video. Since receiving his MFA from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Houston has exhibited nationally and internationally, including exhibitions at Florida State University’s Museum of Fine Art in Tallahassee, FL; Buckham Gallery in Flint, MI; the Czong Institute for Contemporary Art in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea; and the Luis Leu Gallery in Karlsruhe, Germany. Houston is currently a faculty member in the Art department at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.
Artist Statement
I care deeply about justice. I make artwork to better understand what we view as just by critically examining what is commonly acceptable - not what we like or necessarily approve of, but the harmful things we tolerate in spite of its bitterness. Making abstract functions of harm more visible means we can better understand, improve, and ultimately reduce their injury. Things like the Rule of Law, Use of Force, and commercial media reveal what we collectively consider acceptable and just, as a kind of contemplation of evil. Visually framing harm is often unpleasant, but it is necessary to consider because it affects all of us. I care about justice because I value what is true beyond what is measurable, so we can mitigate the harm we experience and how we harm others.