The Linfield Art Gallery is hosting “Toxic Gods and Black Fairy Tales,” an art exhibition created by Travis Johnson, a local artist living and traveling through the Pacific Northwest.
During the opening reception on Feb. 12, Johnson discussed his exhibition and his creative process. The exhibit includes abstract acrylic paintings and wood carvings, most of which were created in the past year.
Johnson’s childhood in the Mojave Desert, where he lived with his four siblings in a small RV, influenced his art. Depictions of the RV can be seen in some of his paintings.
“‘Toxic Gods and Black Fairy Tales’ is a mythological synthesization of my history growing up in southern California,” Johnson said.
His art also pulls influence from abstract expressionist Philip Guston. Guston was a prominent abstract painter during the 1950s and 1960s. Johnson shares in Guston’s use of rich colors and overlapping elements, while also mixing in elements of street art.
Johnson combines together whimsical depictions of creatures with more serious themes surrounding racism and the Black experience. In many of his pieces, observers can find self-portraits of Johnson as well as a cartoony bunny.
The oldest piece in the gallery, “The Golden Age of Incarnation” is the piece that set the tone for Johnson’s artistic vision. Marking the crossroad between choosing artistic integrity over making marketable art. The gallery is the culmination of Johnson’s commitment to his individual style.
To open his exhibition, Johnson began by singing and reciting poems. The deep vibrato of his voice echoed through the space, adding to the reverent lyrics.
“I will breathe, for those who can’t breathe no more,” Johnson said while singing.
His first song listed the names of Black people who were unjustly killed, a song of protest against racism. He followed this song with a piece about coming together.
“Hold your fire … Can’t you see we’re family,” Johnson sang.
Johnson encouraged people to join him in singing these lyrics. While the crowd was initially hesitant, the room was full of voices singing by the end of the song.
Johnson often sings to himself throughout his creative process. He finds music and singing to be a powerful motivator when working on his paintings.
Johnson enjoys the way multidisciplinary art can be combined to create a cohesive story.
“Toxic Gods and Black Fairy Tales” is open until March 12, and videos of his vocal performance can be found on the Linfield Art Department’s Instagram.
