The artist whose work will hang in the Harrison Gallery this month also happens to be the latest person to claim studio space here at the Harrison Center. Based on this exhibit, I think the H.C. is quite lucky to have him in our midst. Willard Johnson’s show is called, ”When Strangers Meet”, and all I could think as I moved from piece to piece in the gallery is that he takes the term,”Mixed Media” to a whole new place!

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Disintegration, by Willard Johnson, Oil, acrylic, enamel, oil stick on sewn quilts and canvas

Johnson’s work is so fresh and exciting to take in. When I enter the gallery I am met with expressive energy that is playful yet challenging. These paintings and collages require examination, having been created with a sometimes surprising combination of materials. According to the bio he sent me, “his paintings explore the language of abstraction, reassembling fragments from the collision of worlds and cultures to create the tension and paradox of cross-culture intersectionality.”

This artist’s active imagination and unique use of materials is very inspiring to me as an artist. Several pieces in the east side of the gallery remind me of quilts because of the repeating patterns and angular shapes. In fact, the first thing that pops into my head when I see them are the Quilts of Gee’s Bend. (Google “Quilts of Gee’s Bend” if you aren’t familiar with them. You’ll be glad you did!) Yet there is nothing especially cozy or homespun about the energy in this work. Instead, it makes me think of an artist who isn’t afraid to experiment or play with whatever materials he can get his hand on. One of these paintings, called “Disintegration”, lists it’s media as including,”oil, acrylic, enamel, oilstick on sewn quilts and canvas”. It is this unique combination of materials that creates the paradox and tension that Johnson’s bio refers to. I love the use of grommets and stitching as well, and the interest they add to this work.

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The Tide, Willard Johnson, Oil, acrylic, oil stick, on cut and sewn canvas and tarpaulin

Another piece that is particularly impressive hangs on the east wall of the gallery and is the largest of the paintings in this show. Created with oil, acrylic and oil stick on cut and sewn canvas and tarpaulin, this one captivated me. Using mostly metallic hues with black and gold, the color scheme has an industrial feeling to it, and the way the top layer of cut and painted canvas is installed to reveal the darker, lower layer below creates an intriguing experience for the viewer.

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Family Tree, by Willard Johnson, Oil on sewn canvas

My favorite painting in this show is called, “Family Tree” is found on the north wall near the entrance to the gallery. This one feels breezy with its joyful colors and shapes. I appreciate the texture made by painting in oil on sewn canvas and the way the lines created by the sewing impacts the composition. It’s difficult not to respond to the bird images in this painting, as well as the combination of bright and soft colors.

The paintings in this show are available for sale in the online store in the Harrison Center’s website. I’m so excited about the artwork in this show and also about the fact that the artist responsible for it is joining the Harrison Center. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Will Johnson.