Exhibitions

Universe of Things

Solo exhibition

31 July - 30 August 2025

James Blackie, Wellington, NZ

James R Ford, Universe of Things (installation view), 2025

Universe of Things is an exhibition exploring ideas around language (visual or written) and the search for meaning. The title of the exhibition is inspired by The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety by “philosophical entertainer” Alan Watts:

We have developed the power of thinking so rapidly and one-sidedly that we have forgotten the proper relation between thoughts and events, words and things.

Travel between outer and inner space, and explore a vast, interconnected universe of things without enforced goals, scores, or tasks to complete.

Works taking the form of dot paintings, Finitude Drawings, text statements, and sculpture. Underpinning Ford’s practice is an interest in what it is to be human: what we live for, how we create meaning, what we value, the paradox of choice, and of course, the absurdity of life.

This exhibition will be the official launch of Ford’s latest monograph entitled Topsy-Turvy (alongside a limited edition print). Many of the works in the book appear in this exhibition.