Sampling of work

(click image to enlarge)

Top: Approx. 24" x 12" x 6" each
Bottom: Approx. 48" x 48" x 18" each

Artist Statement

Two distinct avenues of exploration characterize my work:

For the past twenty years I have been known for making large kinetic sculptures based on mechanized geometric elements that move in relative relief against a standing surface. These pieces command a fair amount of space and engage the public through motorized movement. One of these works, “Large Black Machine “ was recently exhibited as a part of the Art Fronts Project in the window at 1507 Walnut Street. The rhythmic reconfiguration of lumbering black shapes against a brilliant white ground fit well within the cityscape, offering a dynamic passage to intrigued viewers on the sidewalk.

This particular mode of making has several requirements. Each piece must have a site and requires continuous maintenance and oversight. The work is large; pieces that are not sited must be stored. And each piece takes a long time to complete. With this in mind, I began developing a group of small, stabile studies that, over the past couple of years, has grown into a significant and distinct body of work.

In making these pieces, I work quickly and intuitively. They are like dimensional gesture drawings, thumbnail sketches made from the detritus of construction. They are the beginnings of thoughts and thus retain a spirit of invention and inquiry.

Resume

PHILLIP JOHNSON

EDUCATION University of Iowa, M.F.A.,Painting, 1978
University of Iowa, M.A., Studio Art, 1977
Iowa State University, B.S. Landscape Architecture, 1976

ONE PERSON EXHIBITIONS (Selected)
1994 Nesbitt College of Design Arts, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
1987 Marian Locks Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
1986 Florence Wilcox Gallery, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA
1984 Marian Locks Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
1982 Eric Makler Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
1981 Eric Makler Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

GROUP EXHIBITIONS (Selected)
2004 Juried 2004, Main Line Art Center, Ardmore, PA
1999 “Draw The Line”, Philadelphia Art Alliance, Philadelphia, PA
1998 “Made in America”, American Gallery, New York, NY
1997 “Chalkboard Chronicles”, TZ Art, New York, NY
1995 “Movable Feats”, Nexus Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
1994 “Sculptures Drawing”, Hicks Gallery, Bucks County Community College, Newtown, PA
1987 “New Attitudes”, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, St. Francis College, Loretto, PA
1984 “Segal Collection”,Arthur Ross Gallery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
1981 “New in New York”,Monique Knowlton Gallery, New York, NY
1980 “Made in Philadelphia”, Institute of contemporary Art, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA; (catalog)

SPECIAL PROJECTS
1999-2001 “Art Fronts”, Urban Installation, Philadelphia, PA
1985 Set design for “Machina Nom Compos Mentes”, A mechanical operetta preformed at The Painted Bride Art Center, Philadelphia, PA

GRANTS
1985 Special Project Grant awarded by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts

TEACHING
2006 Instructor, Kinetic Sculpture, University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA
1994-97 Instructor, 3-D Design, Art Department, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
1979 Instructor, Drawing, Department of Architecture, Iowa State University, Ames IA

BIBLIOGRAPHY (Selected)
Sozanski,Edward; Philadelphia Inquirer, February 17, 1995, p.36.
Nugent, Jeanne; The New Art Examiner, April 1987, p. 46.
Donohue, Victoria; Philadelphia Inquirer, January 17, 1987, p.3.
Zimmer, William; Soho News, June 24-30, 1981, p.47.
Sachs, Sid, The New Arts Examiner, May 1981, p.9.
Donohue, Victoria; Philadelphia Inquirer, January 30, 1981, p.27.