DEVIN B. JOHNSON, “Cluster,” 2024 (oil on linen, 60 x 62 inches / 152 x 157 cm). | © Devin B. Johnson. Courtesy the artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong / ofstudio photography

 

On View presents images from noteworthy exhibitions

 

FOR HIS FIFTH SOLO EXHIBITION with Nicodim Gallery, Devin B. Johnson (b. 1992) is presenting 17 new works made this year. On view in Los Angeles, “Devin B. Johnson: Ritual of Welcome” includes figurative and abstract paintings and abstract works on paper.

The figurative scenes feature male subjects, classic cars, urban architecture, and saturated tones. The images at once possess an alluring beauty, old-school character, and element of mystery. Johnson has introduced areas of abstraction; interventions such as a large boulder crushing the hood of a car and unnerving, low-flying birds; and dripping paint evincing a transitional state, as if his figures and objects are melting or washing away, all of which shift the spirit of the scenes. Extraordinary depictions of otherwise ordinary moments, the paintings convey a liminal sense of time, space, and existence.

In a statement introducing the exhibition, Johnson referenced “legacy” and said in his interpretation, the term is about using lessons gleaned from the post to build a better future. “It’s about taking the nuggets of wisdom, experiences, and knowledge from previous generations or moments in time and using them to drive innovation, progress, and growth,” the artist said. “The use of cars and old model cars in my work gives shape to a driving forward.” Johnson earned an MFA at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was born in Los Angeles, where he lives and works. CT

 

“Devin B. Johnson: Ritual of Welcome” is on view at Nicodim Gallery in Los Angeles, from Sept. 21-Nov. 2, 2024

FIND MORE about the exhibition

 


Installation view of “Devin B. Johnson: Ritual of Welcome,” 2024, Nicodim Los Angeles. | Courtesy of the Artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong/ ofstudio photography

 


DEVIN B. JOHNSON, “A Ton,” 2024 (oil and spray paint on linen, 70 x 78 inches / 177.8 x 198.1 cm). | © Devin B. Johnson. Courtesy the artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong / ofstudio photography

 


DEVIN B. JOHNSON, “Point Blank,” 2024 (oil on linen, 36 x 24 inches / 91.4 x 61 cm). | © Devin B. Johnson. Courtesy the artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong / ofstudio photography

 


Installation view of “Devin B. Johnson: Ritual of Welcome,” 2024, Nicodim Los Angeles. | Courtesy of the Artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong/ ofstudio photography

 


DEVIN B. JOHNSON, “Telecommunication Station,” 2024 (oil on linen, 60 x 48 inches / 152.4 x 121.9 cm). | © Devin B. Johnson. Courtesy the artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong / ofstudio photography

 


Installation view of “Devin B. Johnson: Ritual of Welcome,” 2024, Nicodim Los Angeles. | Courtesy of the Artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong/ ofstudio photography

 


DEVIN B. JOHNSON, “Steeple,” 2024 (oil on linen, 16 x 12 inches / 40.6 x 30.5 cm). | © Devin B. Johnson. Courtesy the artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong / ofstudio photography

 


DEVIN B. JOHNSON, “Empty Stare,” 2024 (oil on linen, 60 x 48 inches / 152.4 x 121.9 cm). | © Devin B. Johnson. Courtesy the artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong / ofstudio photography

 


Installation view of “Devin B. Johnson: Ritual of Welcome,” 2024, Nicodim Los Angeles. | Courtesy of the Artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong/ ofstudio photography

 


DEVIN B. JOHNSON, “Green Sleeve,” 2024 (oil and spray paint on linen, 60 x 62 inches / 152.4 x 157.5 cm). | © Devin B. Johnson. Courtesy the artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong / ofstudio photography

 


DEVIN B. JOHNSON, “In Time,” 2024 (oil on linen, 8 x 10 inches / 20.3 x 25.4 cm). | © Devin B. Johnson. Courtesy the artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong / ofstudio photography

 


DEVIN B. JOHNSON, “In Flight,” 2024 (oil on linen, 36 x 24 inches / 91.4 x 61 cm). | © Devin B. Johnson. Courtesy the artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong / ofstudio photography

 


DEVIN B. JOHNSON, “The Four Heartstrings,” 2024 (oil and spray paint on linen, 60 x 62 inches / 152.4 x 157.5 cm). | © Devin B. Johnson. Courtesy the artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong / ofstudio photography

 

FIND MORE about Devin B. Johnson on Instagram

 

SUPPORT CULTURE TYPE
Do you enjoy and value Culture Type? Please consider supporting its ongoing production by making a donation. Culture Type is an independent editorial project that requires countless hours and expense to research, report, write, and produce. To help sustain it, make a one-time donation or sign up for a recurring monthly contribution. It only takes a minute. Many Thanks for Your Support.





Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *