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| "Resilient": photographer unknown. |
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Leroy Johnson’s Mixed-Media Houses
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| “Stop!” (c. 2010-2015), mixed media, found objects, and collage, 10 1/4 x 19 1/2 x 8 inches. |
From collaged and painted found materials merged with elements of photography and ceramics, Leroy Johnson (1937-2022) created an eclectic vision of life in his hometown of Philadelphia. Through layered, multi-dimensional portraits of houses, the artist represents loci of family life and community in conceptual assemblages that also confront racism, poverty, and gentrification.
In the first exhibition of his work in New York City, Margot Samel presents Leroy Johnson, a collection of the artist’s house sculptures made “with a documentarian’s eye but a poet’s gaze,” says a gallery statement. His pieces capture a city in transition, peering into its past to underscore the myriad experiences of its present.
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| “Spirit House” (c. 2005–2010) mixed media, found object, and collage, 19 1/4 x 20 x 13 1/2 inches |
Through his occupations as a social worker, teacher of disabled youth, rehab counselor, and school administrator, Johnson “surveyed the pleasures, hardships, and contradictions within the Philadelphia neighborhoods where he spent his life,” Margot Samuel says, and he “pierced the fabric of collective human experience more deeply than most.”
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| “You Been Had” (c. 2000–2005), mixed media, found object, and collage, 17 x 16 1/2 x 8 inches |
Johnson’s abstract, mixed-media houses often feature photographs of people and gatherings, graffiti and text, and swishes of paint or residual imagery from found objects. The gallery adds, “As an African American artist who witnessed the civil rights movement and the impact of racist policies on communities he loved, Johnson took particular pleasure in depicting the richness of Black life. Leroy Johnson runs from January 10 to February 9 in New York. Learn more on the gallery’s website.
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| “Environmental Terrorist” (2000-2005), mixed media, found objects, and collage, 18 x 12 x 8 inches |
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| “Bad” (c. 2005-2010) mixed media, found objects, and collage, 17 1/2 x 17 1/2 x 11 1/2 inches |
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| “Heart of Darkness” (c. 1995–2000), mixed media, found object, and collage, 13 x 11 x 6 inches |
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| “Nails” (c. 2005-2010), mixed media, found objects, and collage, 21 1/2 x 11 x 6 inches |
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| “Act Now” (c. 200-2010), mixed media, found objects, and collage, 9 3/4 x 9 3/4 x 11 3/4 inches |
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| “Who Is Eligible?” (c. 2010-2015), mixed media, found objects, and collage, 10 x 24 x 15 inches |
(aka TMI?)
I had hoped to go to day class at the Honbu Dojo, since it was the first class of 2025. But, I had over scheduled with a 9:30 dentist appointment and a 11:30 lunch appointment. Lunch was arranged by Kevin Suzuki. He is so good at keeping tabs and remembering when to get together with all of his friends, even back to high school. No wonder he has so many really good friends. He had asked me earlier if I was free January 2nd, and I was. Then when Mitchell called, we added him to Michelle, Kevin and I, then Kevin's Mom and my good friend, Carole. So five of us went for Soba at ...24391 Avenida De La Carlota, Suite A, Laguna Hills, CA, United States, California • (949) 215-5375
We all ordered something different, and agreed it everything was really good. We caught up on all kinds of news, finally giving up our table at 2:30. Then we walked over to a nearby bakery and sat outside and talked some more! Went to our cars at 4PM and yes, talked a little bit more. I got home before 5PM, but in need of a nap. TMI?
A 5 minute video, Good Education, here
Just because ...
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| American Crow |
Friday's Smiles ...
