Rashid Johnson BIOGRAPHY
Early Life and Education
Johnson was born in Illinois to an intellectual and scholar mother, Cheryl Johnson-Odim, and a Vietnam-war veteran father, Jimmy Johnson, an artist who also worked in electronics. After his parents’ separation, his mother remarried a man of Nigerian heritage. Johnson had indicated that his family was Afrocentric.
He opened his first show at the Schneider Gallery as a college junior. By 2000, he had built a reputation for his unique photo-printing process and political content. Johnson graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2000, where he focused on photography and visual storytelling. He completed his Master’s degree in 2005 from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Fine Arts, cementing his commitment to contemporary art.
Early recognition came in 2001, when his work was featured in “Freestyle” at the Studio Museum in Harlem, catapulting him onto the national stage. Since then, Johnson has carved a unique path, defying easy categorization as he seamlessly blends photography, sculpture, painting, filmmaking, and installation art.
What is Rashid Johnson known for?
Rashid Johnson is well-known for his multidisciplinary approach, which effortlessly combines several mediums, such as painting, sculpture, photography, and video. He used these mediums to create intriguing and thought-provoking works of art. Johnson’s art is defined by examining African American identity and culture and using a distinct visual language to confront societal issues. Rashid Johnson is not only an artist but also a cultural storyteller. His art is infused with the lived experiences of a Black man in America. His varied approach invites us to perceive the world in new ways, embrace vulnerability, and celebrate the diversity of perspectives.
He is famous for some of the art techniques:
Bruise Paintings and Surrender Paintings: These signature series employ textured surfaces made from shea butter, wax, and ebony black soap, evoking skin, hair, and cultural touchstones. They tackle themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the complexities of Black identity.
Brick and Tile Works: Johnson incorporates salvaged bricks and mirrored tiles. He often brought graffiti and street art into sculptures and installations, weaving urban narratives into his art.
Conceptual Depth: He imbues his art with rich symbolism and references to African American history, literature, and personal experiences. This invites viewers to engage in layers of meaning.
Career highlights
1. Early Recognition: Johnson gained early recognition with his critically acclaimed solo exhibition, “Rumble,” held at the Richard Gray Gallery in Chicago in 2007. This exhibition began Johnson’s ascent in art, showcasing his ability to confront complex themes through visually striking and intellectually engaging artwork.
2. Venice Biennale 2011: 2011 Rashid Johnson honored the United States at the prestigious Venice Biennale. This important honor propelled him to the international scene. Moreover, a global audience appreciated the breadth and complexity of his artistic vision.
3. “Message to Our Folks” at the MCA Chicago: The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago hosted Johnson’s solo exhibition, “Message to Our Folks,” in 2012. This retrospective showcased his evolution as an artist, highlighting the thematic threads running through his diverse work.
4. Directorial Debut – “Native Son”: Johnson demonstrated his versatility by directing the cinematic adaption of Richard Wright’s “Native Son” in 2019. The picture, set in Chicago and offers a new layer to Johnson’s investigation of race and identity.
5. Commissions for public art projects include a site-specific installation at the LaGuardia Airport in New York.
6. Awards: Received numerous awards, including the MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant and the NAACP Image Award.
Rashid Johnson List of Work
1. Cosmic Slop Series (2007)
| Johnson’s “Cosmic Slop” series, which includes paintings and sculptures, explores the African American experience and cultural heritage. Drawing inspiration from the funk album of the same name by Parliament, these works are characterized by a dynamic interplay of symbols and materials.
|
2. Anxious Menagerie (2012)
| Johnson’s “Anxious Menagerie” series features elaborate patterns and symbols created on large-scale panels using black soap and wax. This series highlights his interest in the junction of personal and collective history, encouraging viewers to consider the complexities of identity. |
3. Escape Collages (2016)
| The “Escape Collages” series showcases Johnson’s experimentation with materiality and process. These collages, made from bits of flooring, mirror fragments, and other found objects, provide a tactile exploration of the artist’s engagement with the urban environment.
|
Artistic Style
Johnson’s work challenges conventional norms and stereotypes, encouraging a reevaluation of preconceived notions about identity, race, and culture. By seamlessly blending different mediums and techniques, he has expanded the boundaries of contemporary art, opening up new possibilities for expression.
Johnson augments black history with alchemy, divination, astronomy, and other sciences that integrate the natural and spiritual worlds. According to a Columbia College Chicago release, Johnson works in various media, utilizing physical and visual materials that have autonomous artistic meaning and symbolism but are enhanced by their connections to black history.
AN IMPACT OF RASHID JOHNSON ON THE ART WORLD:
Rashid Johnson’s impact on the art world is profound and far-reaching. His ability to tackle complex socio-political issues through a visually engaging and conceptually rich artistic language has earned him a place among the most influential contemporary artists. Here are some key aspects of his impact:
Through his involvement in film, photography, and traditional visual arts, Johnson exemplifies the possibilities of breaking artistic boundaries. His directorial debut in “Native Son” showcases a willingness to explore new territories, transcending the confines of traditional art forms.
Rashid Johnson’s journey from Chicago to the international stage is a testament to the power of art to provoke thought, challenge norms, and inspire change. Johnson has left an indelible mark on contemporary art through his innovative and multifaceted approach, contributing to a richer understanding of identity, culture, and the human experience. As his work continues to evolve, Rashid Johnson remains a visionary force, shaping the discourse of contemporary art for generations to come.
Galleries Featuring Halley’s Work:
David Kordansky Gallery (Los Angeles, California): This gallery has long represented Johnson and currently holds a selection of his mixed-media works on paper and sculptures.
Hauser & Wirth (various locations): This international gallery has multiple locations exhibiting Johnson’s work, including upcoming shows in Hong Kong and New York.
Richard Gray Gallery (New York, NY): This gallery boasts a permanent collection of Johnson’s paintings and sculptures, and they often feature his work in group exhibitions.
Follow Rashid Johnson on social media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rashidjohnson/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rashid.johnson.75/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RashidJohnson17