Jason Jones
artist statement(s)
Jason Jones works on paintings, sculptures, video, drawings, writings, spoken word pieces, performances, and music.
Semantic Satiation (A pure illustration) 2019
The new body of work is entirely driven by a single WORD. One word is selected from a list of archived words, from a long list in Evernote. The repetition of this selected word continues across a time period of between two and three minutes. The vocal tonality diversifies as the word is repeated as the utterances shift from whispering to full on shouting in a pseudo rage. As frequently happens when a single word is repeated, the linguistic structure appears to alter, modulate and momentarily distort. The letters form new shapes, sounds and potential meanings in the consciousness of both the observer and the performer. It is this liminal space, cushioned between the spoken sound and the formation of meaning that provokes interests. The backdrop provides a semi-abstracted animated drawing, where the selected word’s internet search results are utilised as a digital brush. Ultimately the work aims to perform as a type of audition video, where the actors one task is to locate and unearth the diversity and potential of a single WORD, with three minutes.
THE JASON ROGER JONES SHOW YOUTUBE CHANNEL Title: the image analysis show
(episode 1 the pilot)
As the title sequence starts, a rotating motion graphic loops to the audio of Jones singing, ‘You are welcome to articulate, critically resuscitate...’ ending with the introduction of Jones as ‘host and moderator’ to this first episode of the image analysis show. The title sequence stops and the multi-panelled video starts, where Jones is operating five hand made straw puppets. Voices do not alter between all five puppets, and one at a time they introduce themselves as a number, ‘hello I’m number 4 and I’m very glad to be here.’ This unscripted pilot episode allows Jones to explore the compositional structure within the video frame that includes background graphics, a rotating title brand or logo, the image being reviewed and the central action of the puppets. All fit within a1040 x 585 pixel frame, allowing sequences to be viewed simultaneously. The audio continues throughout the narrated puppet show providing a sense of continuity and potential drama. The dialogue between each numerical character is non-confrontational, based on mostly generalised statements and it's clear that Jones is ‘testing’ out this format and concept for the first time. This format has infinite potential in terms of puppet characters, backdrops and dialogue, that should become scripted. The green screen provides a backdrop that digitally interacts with some of the characters creating a translucent effect on both straw and puppet. Jones has set up a new YOUTUBE channel titled the IMAGE ANALYSIS SHOW, where all future episodes will be available. The question is, can this format allow Jones to adapt his work into an existing, professional social media system?
KARAOKE
Jason Roger Jones Sings:
This new body of work takes Jones into the realm of singer/song writer for the first time in his career. The desire, for Jones to simulate the essential working conditions of performing as a singer/song writer continues to fuel a need to generate art work that serves a function, purpose and role beyond the aesthetic. The term ‘Karaoke’ literally meaning ‘empty orchestra’ resonates with Jones’s simplistic, low-fi, raw production of music. As you can see from his first song ‘The Spy,’ Jones is struggling to read the lyrics, which defines the entire production. This barrier, instead of being overcome through a commitment to memorise lyrics, is to be embraced, and explored as part of the functioning, yet clunky aesthetic and overall experience of Jones’s music. In the absences of any formal training within the field of music, Jones has boldly taken on the challenge of writing, performing and self publishing his work for the pure reason that he is compelled to do so, to serve and entertain others without yielding.
JRJ - Dream Purchasing Channel (JRJ/DPC)
Jason Roger Jones transforms into a shopping channel presenter, eager to convince and convict you of the need to purchase. The product line includes water coolers, elastic bands, moments in time, video clips and much, much more! This product range is both exclusive and scientifically prescribed to deliver maximum satisfaction and comfort. The JRJ D.P.C,s usp is to 'conquer all doubt through material gain and belief.' Each multi panelled video is designed to provide clarity and fuel desire in every stakeholder, encouraging you to trust and commit. The D.P.C has already built a substantial following based on a subtle blend of exclusivity and a commonality of desire for more. In equal measure the D.P.C astounds and illuminates through life affirming offers that place increased value on encounters and experiences as consumer necessities.
The Tutor, Motion Graphics & The Stakeholder
These works are attempting to construct a dialogue between tutor and stakeholder. The motion graphics perform the role of the stakeholder and the tutor performs the role of the...tutor. The digitally constructed photo-montage interior allows for the dialogue to be placed in context, and this context will change in the future (churches, offices, domestic homes). Themes and interests include exploring the ideas of ‘pedagogy as medium,’ and Felix Guttari’s statement ‘how can you bring a classroom to life as though it were an art work?’ There is a subtle yet nagging dissatisfaction with the still image, therefore I’m attempting to propel drawings, appropriated images and text in motion through animation. These stakeholders or learners serve as a voiceless dynamic contributor within a conversation, dialogue, discussion or exchange. The constructed montage operates as a temporary set, providing a digital platform from which the motion graphics (stakeholder) and tutor have equal status. The work is not preoccupied with challenging our collective obsession with the screen, instead the work embraces the screen as an equal partner. The animated digital drawings serve as a consumer of the lecture, the one reliable recipient of the tutors knowledge These stakeholders are indeed sponsors, and investors within a constructed reality. This constructed reality invites you onto the set, to take position and play a role. The limitless possibilities exist within the digital construction of the set and the content of the monologue which is evolving rapidly from non-script to script and back again.