"In the studio Johnson draws, continuing to develop a sci-fi universe that has been growing for about eight years now. Johnson's universe is filled with intricate, near-hypnotizing patterns, bold colors, an array of symbols that recall ancient rituals, and a narrative that unfolds like a modern space fantasy saga. She does this in drawings that quite often resemble concert posters. Johnson, though, also works with collaborators, bringing her drawings into other realms, like virtual reality."
"For several years, she has been working steadily with animator Simon Ward, who turns Johnson's universe into virtual reality environments. At the moment, it's a cross-global collaboration, as Ward is in New Zealand. But later on that week Johnson would also be in New Zealand for the opening of their collaborative VR experience and installation Terminus at Tauranga Art Gallery. She wasn't planning to attend until an opportunity arose at the last minute. And it's an important show."
"Johnson, who is currently based in New York, describes seaside Tauranga as "a very idyllic place to grow up," but with a caveat. "You feel very, very far from the rest of the world, especially pre-internet." In her youth, books and film sparked Johnson's imagination. She read loads of science fiction and fantasy novels, as well as comics. She would go to the local video store and pick out unusual flicks to watch. Johnson describes her early influences as a "melting pot.""
Jess Johnson is midway through a six-month residency at Pioneer Works in Brooklyn, where she draws to develop a sci-fi universe cultivated for about eight years. The universe features intricate, near-hypnotizing patterns, bold colors, and arrays of symbols that recall ancient rituals, with a narrative that unfolds like a modern space fantasy saga. Many drawings resemble concert posters. Johnson collaborates with animator Simon Ward to translate drawings into virtual reality environments, engaging in a cross-global collaboration with Ward in New Zealand. Their VR experience and installation Terminus opened at Tauranga Art Gallery. Johnson grew up in Tauranga, influenced by science fiction and fantasy novels, comics, and secondhand sci-fi cover art.
Read at Hi-Fructose Magazine - The New Contemporary Art Magazine
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