The fear of failure is the pitfall of the modern era. However, in Jason Gringler's studio, failure isn't a dead end; it's a starting point for transformation. His workspace serves as a philosophical arena, where energy is the currency and mortality the driving force. Here, every scrap and misstep fuels the next artistic breakthrough. His work is currently on view at Lo Brutto Stahl in his latest solo presentation 'Studio'.
Jason Gringler’s studio process is accompanied by dust and waste material, however, this is only the birth of new opportunities in his workspace. Filled with remnants of past attempts—dead machines, offcuts, and residue—each fragment carries the potential for renewal. Gringler's process involves embracing and recycling discarded elements, resulting in artworks that reflect industrial and technological evolution, as well as his own artistic success. His studio practice is an ode to the idea that every byproduct holds the potential for rebirth.
What led him to this idea is his bodily capital as an artist. He states in his writing: ‘My studio is a philosophical space and the asset I possess is energy. Energy is capital. And my capital is waning. My mortality plays a pivotal role in the way I think about my studio practice. Sweat equity is defined by a contribution toward a project using physical labour, mental effort, and time. If my capital as an artist is my mortality, then the refuse produced from my studio endeavours are considered legitimate forms of production.’
Gringler continues: ‘A former gallerist of mine once stated that artists are martyrs; Artists should not have expectations for any result outside of the artworks produced. At the time I did not agree, and I still do not subscribe to the above statement, however I am able to intellectually apply it to my output. If I spend my life (and granted I understand it is an extraordinary privilege) in my workshop with the intention of producing art, then remnants, offcuts, and broken tools are a valuable resource.’
‘I cannot regain time spent; however, waste material does provide a recouping of energy expenditure. The resin sculptures accrue value in 2 ways. Time spent. Energy spent. I collect the dust of production and wait. I scan my studio for conversations between objects. The subject matter of my artistic practice has (in many ways) become this room, a conversation between effort and chance.’ he concludes.
‘I cannot regain time spent; however, waste material does provide a recouping of energy expenditure. The resin sculptures accrue value in 2 ways. Time spent. Energy spent. I collect the dust of production and wait. I scan my studio for conversations between objects. The subject matter of my artistic practice has (in many ways) become this room, a conversation between effort and chance.’ he concludes.
Framed by steel, resin, and acrylic glass, his creations reanimate with renewed tension and dense formation, showcasing the beauty in failure and the power of relentless innovation: ‘Failure is useful. I consistently work, destroy, rework, rebuild and recontextualize. Completed pieces are dug from their storage graves and caged together facing inwards, permanently erasing my previous efforts. This body of work also serves 2 purposes: recycling of things I dislike and training myself with the craft of steel work.’
'Energy is capital. And my capital is waning.'
Diving further into Gringler’s writing it becomes clear what the importance of physical craftsmanship is within his work: ‘At times I come up against the limitations of my own creativity. Working with metal keeps me working. Investigating a craft that I respect and admire coupled with problem solving tends to lead me back to my art practice. Metal has expanded the potential of my studio within all applications.’
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The trademark metalwork found in Gringler’s pieces embodies his broader aesthetic and philosophy, highlighting the importance of problem-solving and continuous exploration, transforming his studio into a space where failure is not just an endpoint, but a vital component of personal evolution.
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In the context of modern life, where climate change, pollution, and waste dominate our concerns, Gringler's work takes on a more profound significance. His exploration of industrial materials and the reuse of studio byproducts not only touch on environmental sustainability through his craftsmanship and methodology, but also aesthetically mirror the melancholy and bleakness of a world grappling with failure and ecological decay. The raw, fragmented nature of his sculptures may reflect the pervasive desolation of living amid pollution and the constant threat of collapse, making a powerful statement on the fragility of our existence.
Jason Gringler's latest solo presentation, 'Studio', is now on view at Lo Brutto Stahl in Paris until June 15th, 2024.
