Parallel Evolution a retrospective of New York based sculptor, M. Scott Johnson (b. 1968), which chronicles his artistic vision from 2000 – 2008; using sculpture as a metaphor for his eight year journey in becoming one of the leading direct stone carvers of his generation. Johnson transforms the ancient medium of stone into profound imagery through biomorphic shapes and intricate patterns of undulating movements.His aesthetic palette is influenced by the Shona of Zimbabwe, Makonde of Mozambique and Kwakwaka’wakw of Canada.
Scott has the unique position of being one of three American sculptors to have apprentice under master sculptor Nicholas Mukomberanwa (1940-2002) of Zimbabwe. His sculptures have been exhibited in galleries and universities across the United States and aboard, including Harvard University and the National Gallery of Zimbabwe. His works are in both private and public collections, most notably the Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture and the Hampton University Museum.
Unknown Tongues (detail), 2007 by M. Scott Johnson
Artwork
Bardo of Becoming, Marble, 25in x 17in x 3in, 2000
Shadow Matter Entity 2, Rhyolite w/Grout, 13in x 25in x 13in, 2008
Tituba's, Angel oil, acrylic on canvas, 36in x 29in, 2006
Totem for Edwina Ross, Slate w/ Dry Pigment, 35in x 10in x 2in, 2007
Oracle of Cabini Green Marble, 25in x 11in x 10in, 2006
Coronation, Oil, acrylic, chicken feet on canvas, 40in x 28in, 2007
Commandments, Sandstone, Slate w/ Dry Pigment, 26in x 17in x 3in, 2008
Gill Scott-Heron, Marble, 15in x 7in x 5in, 1999
The Messenger, Oil on wood, 32in x 19in, 2001
Transfiguation of Techno Negro, Marble, 18in x 8in x 8in, 2006
Inter Dimensional Telescope, Marble, 18in x 10in x 7in, 2000
High John the Conqueror, Bardiglio Marble, 40in x 16in x 18in, 2009
Tao of Physics, Marble, 17in x 9in x 9in, 2002
Unknown Tongues, Calcite, 15in x 13in x 3in, 2007
Recycled Soul, Marble, 24in x 10in x 6in, 2006
Daddy, Slate w/ Dry Pigment, 21in x 8in x 9in, 2007
The Gatekeeper, Dry pigment, plastic, oil, acrylic, 25in x 25in, 2005
The Mind of Benjamin Banneker, Marble, 21in x 12in x 5in, 2001
Seal of the Order of Harriett Tubman, Marble 38" x 10" x 9", 2006
Uterine Memories, Marble/Mixed Media, 31in x 23in x 2in, 1999
The Oracle of Marcy, Slate w/ Dry Pigment, 35in x 10in x 1 1/2in, 2007