Nebulous Navigation
“It is not drawn on any map; true places never are.” Herman Melville
This quote by Melville sets the tone for this month’s journey through the Harrison Gallery, and as the name of the show implies, it is about learning from the mysterious and undefined aspects of our experiences.
No prior Art Appreciation coursework will be necessary to be completely enchanted by the exhibit that will be on display during January of 2020. Artist Johnny McKee’s latest solo show called “Nebulous Navigation” features an amazing array of work through which McKee continues exploring several of his most beloved themes. Upon entering the gallery I felt as if I was gazing at the night sky far from the city. However, one of the things that makes this show so exciting and interesting is the visual variety we experience as we journey through the gallery. Somehow, in spite of how eclectic this collection is, it is also remarkably cohesive. As different as each piece may be stylistically from any other given piece, the work is so thoughtfully curated that it flows together in a way that is both satisfying and enjoyable for the viewer.
Here are a few highlights of the show to be aware of. For example, McKee collaborated with members of ArtMix, the program housed within this building that serves adults with disabilities, to create wonderful ceramic pieces with a cosmic motif. These pieces are very special and inspiring. Another highlight is the gasp of breath you’ll need to take when you come around the portable wall at the doorway to see the enormous triptych on the north wall. It simply takes my breath away. You will also want to look out for the tiny collage piece that gave the show its name. Created with leftover scraps from a piece that McKee created for Redeemer Presbyterian Church, this little gem creates a huge air of mystery for a piece that is only about 5”x 5” in size. I also love the old world essence created by the paintings that have been shellacked and framed in gold vintage frames. It goes to show that even if there are stars in so many of these pieces, they are each unique and interesting to know about.
One reason I wish everyone could see this show is that it is an example of an artist devoting himself diligently to the creation of a body of work with a beautiful end result. Each piece stands on its own while definitely being part of a whole. As Johnny said,” I took in a lot of influences and turned out work. There were literary references, the music of Brahms and Wagner, among others.” Utilizing such themes as stars and waves and weather, the rhythm of script and the curiosity of found objects, Johnny has successfully woven a magical experience for us to enjoy. The show opens on First Friday, January 3 from 6:00-9:00 pm at the Harrison Center, and will run through the end of the month.
