Josh Allen’s residency at Ruby Projects presents a deeply personal exploration of legacy, mortality, and the transformative potential of artistic practice. Rooted in the temporal intensity of a live-in residency, Allen navigates themes of life and death, leveraging his art as a vessel for both expression and survival. His concept of "Flatline" encapsulates the equilibrium between life’s fleeting nature and its enduring beauty, asserting that his creative output will outlive him, serving as a testament to his existence.
Raised amidst his grandmother's work as a floral designer—a practice steeped in both life’s celebrations and its farewells—Allen’s early experiences uniquely shaped his artistic voice. Frequent exposure to open-casket funerals and floral arrangements fostered a profound awareness of mortality and the urgency of creation. These influences compel Allen to embrace multiplicity in his practice, creating numerous "versions" of himself that endure beyond his lifetime.
Central to the exhibition is the reconstruction of Allen’s dream bedroom within the gallery space, symbolizing a confluence of memory, ambition, and identity. This decision mirrors the permanence found in Donald Judd’s Marfa exhibition, where everything was preserved as it was at the time of his passing. In a similarly evocative gesture, Allen’s work invites visitors to a moment of suspended existence—an exhibition where he metaphorically "lives as if dead," offering an unfiltered understanding of his story, identity, and creative impetus.
The presence of a bed, thoughtfully centered in the gallery, acts as a focal point both physically and conceptually. It anchors the dialogue between vulnerability and autonomy, inviting viewers into an intimate space that blurs the boundary between public and private. This interplay challenges conventional distinctions between life and afterlife, routine and permanence, art and artifact.
Allen’s defiance of artistic compartmentalization—his refusal to focus on just one thing—emphasizes his commitment to the multiplicity of existence. Whether it’s his aspiration to reclaim his childhood home, the deeply ingrained cultural memories of Houston’s Third Ward, or the layering of diverse artistic outputs, his practice becomes a dynamic, living archive.
At its core, this exhibition is a declaration of artistic and personal resilience. By embracing financial stability and rejecting the stigma of “selling out,” Allen reshapes the conversation about what it means to be a "real artist." His works bear witness to a life lived with intention and urgency, asking viewers to consider their own legacies and the beauty they leave behind.
Josh Allen’s residency culminates in a profound examination of life’s transience and its enduring echoes, affirming that through art, we achieve a semblance of immortality. The exhibition stands as both a memorial and a celebration, inviting all who enter to honor the delicate balance between life and death—and the beauty found within.
RUBY Projects is proud to present Flatline, an immersive solo exhibition by JJoshAllenn, hosted at La Ruche HTX. The opening reception will take place on Thursday, January 9th, from 6 PM to 10 PM, inviting guests to experience a deeply personal exploration of life, death, and legacy. Guided visits are scheduled on January 10th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 16th, and 17th at 1 PM, 3 PM, and 5 PM, providing opportunities for audiences to engage with the artist's work on an intimate level. Daily viewing hours for Flatline are Tuesday through Friday, 11 AM to 3 PM, and Saturday, 11 AM to 5 PM. The program concludes with an artist talk on Saturday, January 18th, from 6 PM to 9 PM, where JJoshAllenn will delve into the inspirations and process behind this transformative exhibition. La Ruche HTX is located at 1705 Ewing Street, Houston, TX 77004. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the intersection of art, memory, and existence through Allen’s compelling vision.
RUBY Projects is a dynamic platform dedicated to fostering innovation and creativity at the intersections of art, culture, and community. Based in Houston, RUBY Projects serves as an incubator for artists through its signature residency program, which offers immersive live-in experiences designed to inspire and support the creation of new work. The organization also champions collaboration, partnering with galleries, institutions, and cultural spaces to present thought-provoking exhibitions and projects, by building patronage and sponsorship at the heart of it all. By prioritizing inclusivity and artistic excellence, RUBY Projects creates opportunities for connection and dialogue while shaping Houston’s cultural landscape and beyond. Find more at our Instagram @rbyprjcts or our website www.rubyprojects.xyz.