1150 25th St /
Altman Siegel
Altman Siegel presents Chris Johanson’s fourth solo exhibition with the gallery. Pairing new paintings with reworked sculptures, this show belies a major shift from previous bodies of work. Contemplating the cycle of life, and of the material possessions we accumulate, Johanson’s focus on repurposing found objects has deepened. Trading wood substrates for canvases constructed with found stretcher bars and recycled drop cloths, materials more resistant to paint than commercial canvas, Johanson has intentionally slowed down his process, using painting as a means of mindfulness and meditation. In slowing down, Johanson has eschewed text and figuration for thoughtful abstraction, utilizing form, color, and movement to reflect on themes of bereavement, connection, and impermanence. His swirling color fields, each shade unique, create peaceful rhythms, underscoring the artist’s exploration of artmaking as a healing, therapeutic process.
Originally created with found wood, these oddly shaped sculptures serially repeated the ¢ symbol to express the ever-present pressure of capitalism on us. Using found rope, collected over multiple years, Johanson transforms these once separate sculptures into one large, interconnected piece, tying them together to represent the sporadic nature of human connection. A cement human sculpture lays on the ground with indented spaces for the viewer to lay on top of. Several chairs made of recycled wood, some of which are made in collaboration with Johanna Jackson, further invite the viewer to rest and contemplate the installation. Continuing the theme of connection, Johanson will also present a selection of works by 26 artists whose practices he admires. The group show joins together a diverse array of works by friends and colleagues, all of whom serve as sources of inspiration for Johanson’s own practice.
Artists included are Mario Ayala, Jamal Gunn Becker, Rachid Bouhamidi, Susan Cianciolo, Alex Cohen, Erica Dawn Lyle, Francesca Gabbiani, Sara Mayako Gernsbacher, Marsea Goldberg, Zach Harris, Johanna Jackson, JPW3, Gary Panter, Kyle Ranson, Dylan Roberts, Rommel Romo, Aaron Rose, Eddie Ruscha, Louis M. Schmidt, Ross Simonini, Taravat Talepasand, Jenna Thornhill, Monica Canilao & Xara Thustra, Erin Trefry, Phil Wagner, and Aaron Wrinkle.