Houston

Joseph Ari Aloi is a visionary. The worlds he creates as an illustrator touch the far reaches of the universe- accessing new languages and spirits. An artist- designer, writer, toy creator, media franchiser, filmmaker, Flowbot leader, & tattoo artist JK5 defines creative divinity. In 1996 Aloi earned a BFA in Illustration from RISD, a year later he opened a custom tattoo studio in Pleasantville, New York, where he formulated his widely assimilated, organic, signature styles and approach to letterforms. A couple years later, Matt Clark- founder of the creative agency Houston, along with Aloi published “subconsciothesaurusnex,” a book that documents Aloi’s life and work from 1977-1999. Brands, and Advertising Agencies alike have long understood the power in Aloi’s visual language and ability to capture human connectivity. Collaborators include: Nike, Kidrobot, Converse, Wieden Kennedy, Camel, Tylenol, Timex, Barneys, Surface to Air, Bblessing, Saks 5th Avenue, and Mishka NYC. Founded in 2002 by designer Paul Budnitz, Kidrobot is the world's premier creator of limited edition art toys and apparel. Kidrobot creates toys, apparel, accessories, and other products in collaboration with many of the world's most talented artists and designers. The products sold at Kidrobot are the centerpieces of a global movement that exemplifies the cutting edge of both pop art and mass culture. Many Kidrobot toys, such as Dunny, MUNNY, and Frank Kozik's Labbits and Mongers, attract huge followings. Artists that work with Kidrobot have gained celebrity status-these include USA artists Frank Kozik, Tim Biskup, Huck Gee, Joe Ledbetter, Tristan Eaton, Paul Budnitz, and Tara McPherson; the German design collective eBoy; Japan's Devilrobots & Mad Barbarians; French street artists Tilt & Mist; the UK's TADO and ilovedust; Australia's Nathan Jurevicius; Argentina's DOMA; and many, many others. Kidrobot also regularly collaborates with many of the world's top brands to create unique limited editions products. Past collaborations include Marc Jacobs, Visionaire Magazine, Barneys New York, The Standard Hotels, Playboy, Burton, Nike, Lacoste, Nooka, Matt Groening & more. A blend of sculpture and popular art, many of Kidrobot's exclusive toys are extremely rare and collectible. Artists often create a series of only a few hundred