Artist
M. Scott Johnson-Statement
Statement
When shaping the stone I rely on the extremely physical process of direct carving, coupled with experimentation in natural and artificial lighting. In my most recent sculptures organic pigments are integrated to exploit symmetry and to empower their aesthetic integrity. I achieve the most visceral and focused statements through improvisation.
Improvisation allows me to snatch an image at birth, creating a balance between imposing and communicating with the natural life force resonating from within my materials. Line, configuration, texture and title are all combined to allow the spectator to respond both consciously and subconsciously.
My series, “Shadow Matter” is the inter-dimensional reflection of matter from the physical world – the space within space. Observing shadow matter, or negative space, gives us a truer understanding of the life and death forces of all objects. I believe atavism (bio-cultural memory) opens up the compendium of human knowledge and guides us through negative space. It makes us aware of the harmonies and vibrations of the darkness. Understanding these mysterious syntaxes, we can shape the void and harness the creative rhythm of these alter-realities.
My visual experimentation with rhythm of structure, repetition of pattern, light management, and the abstract organic has allowed me to peer into ways in which these forces influence my unconscious mind.
Shadow Matter Entity 2, 2008, Rhyolite w/Grout, 13″ x 25″ x 13″
Landscape Astrophotography
When working in the expression of landscape Astrophotography, I am constantly searching for ways in which to navigate/interpret light, space and soul. Humbled by the vastness of the cosmos, when I compose an image I seek to explore the limits and promise of my own physical mortality.
Capturing these images must be done with precise preparation, knowledge and trust of intuition. My background as a stone sculpture has trained my both my inner and outer eye to recognize the sacred geometry that exist throughout the universe. Still, often the utmost factor contributing to an outstanding image is the random gift of revelation from the subject itself. My prime inspiration behind this work is the opportunity to decipher the intellect of the galaxy, and express my devotion to the infinite.
The photographic series Venus Rising, represents a yearly pilgrimage to the dark sky of New York’s Adirondack park, there I record the rising of the planet Venus in the Northern Hemisphere. Venus goes through two phases. For 250 days the planet is known as the “Evening Star” as it follows the setting sun. After the Evening Star phase, Venus disappears for eight days before returning as the “Morning Star”. Like many of the ancients, for me visually, this is a celestial affirmation of rebirth, balance and immortality.
Venus Rising #1, 2015, Adirondack National Park, New York
Infrared photo printed on Canson Infinity Premium RC, 24″ x 14″
M. Scott Johnson (b. 1968, Inkster, Michigan) is a New York City‐based artist and educator, has carved out a legacy as one of the most stimulating and unique artists of his generation. M. Scott has explored, both in his practice and through his 20‐year visual arts teaching residency at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, New York, a rich vision of contemporary Afro‐aesthetics.
April 3 – May 3, 2009
