DEVIN B. JOHNSON, “Cluster,” 2024 (oil on linen, 60 x 62 inches / 152 x 157 cm). | © Devin B. Johnson. Courtesy the artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong / ofstudio photography
On View presents images from noteworthy exhibitions
FOR HIS FIFTH SOLO EXHIBITION with Nicodim Gallery, Devin B. Johnson (b. 1992) is presenting 17 new works made this year. On view in Los Angeles, “Devin B. Johnson: Ritual of Welcome” includes figurative and abstract paintings and abstract works on paper.
The figurative scenes feature male subjects, classic cars, urban architecture, and saturated tones. The images at once possess an alluring beauty, old-school character, and element of mystery. Johnson has introduced areas of abstraction; interventions such as a large boulder crushing the hood of a car and unnerving, low-flying birds; and dripping paint evincing a transitional state, as if his figures and objects are melting or washing away, all of which shift the spirit of the scenes. Extraordinary depictions of otherwise ordinary moments, the paintings convey a liminal sense of time, space, and existence.
In a statement introducing the exhibition, Johnson referenced “legacy” and said in his interpretation, the term is about using lessons gleaned from the post to build a better future. “It’s about taking the nuggets of wisdom, experiences, and knowledge from previous generations or moments in time and using them to drive innovation, progress, and growth,” the artist said. “The use of cars and old model cars in my work gives shape to a driving forward.” Johnson earned an MFA at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was born in Los Angeles, where he lives and works. CT
“Devin B. Johnson: Ritual of Welcome” is on view at Nicodim Gallery in Los Angeles, from Sept. 21-Nov. 2, 2024
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Installation view of “Devin B. Johnson: Ritual of Welcome,” 2024, Nicodim Los Angeles. | Courtesy of the Artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong/ ofstudio photography
DEVIN B. JOHNSON, “A Ton,” 2024 (oil and spray paint on linen, 70 x 78 inches / 177.8 x 198.1 cm). | © Devin B. Johnson. Courtesy the artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong / ofstudio photography
DEVIN B. JOHNSON, “Point Blank,” 2024 (oil on linen, 36 x 24 inches / 91.4 x 61 cm). | © Devin B. Johnson. Courtesy the artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong / ofstudio photography
Installation view of “Devin B. Johnson: Ritual of Welcome,” 2024, Nicodim Los Angeles. | Courtesy of the Artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong/ ofstudio photography
DEVIN B. JOHNSON, “Telecommunication Station,” 2024 (oil on linen, 60 x 48 inches / 152.4 x 121.9 cm). | © Devin B. Johnson. Courtesy the artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong / ofstudio photography
Installation view of “Devin B. Johnson: Ritual of Welcome,” 2024, Nicodim Los Angeles. | Courtesy of the Artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong/ ofstudio photography
DEVIN B. JOHNSON, “Steeple,” 2024 (oil on linen, 16 x 12 inches / 40.6 x 30.5 cm). | © Devin B. Johnson. Courtesy the artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong / ofstudio photography
DEVIN B. JOHNSON, “Empty Stare,” 2024 (oil on linen, 60 x 48 inches / 152.4 x 121.9 cm). | © Devin B. Johnson. Courtesy the artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong / ofstudio photography
Installation view of “Devin B. Johnson: Ritual of Welcome,” 2024, Nicodim Los Angeles. | Courtesy of the Artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong/ ofstudio photography
DEVIN B. JOHNSON, “Green Sleeve,” 2024 (oil and spray paint on linen, 60 x 62 inches / 152.4 x 157.5 cm). | © Devin B. Johnson. Courtesy the artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong / ofstudio photography
DEVIN B. JOHNSON, “In Time,” 2024 (oil on linen, 8 x 10 inches / 20.3 x 25.4 cm). | © Devin B. Johnson. Courtesy the artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong / ofstudio photography
DEVIN B. JOHNSON, “In Flight,” 2024 (oil on linen, 36 x 24 inches / 91.4 x 61 cm). | © Devin B. Johnson. Courtesy the artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong / ofstudio photography
DEVIN B. JOHNSON, “The Four Heartstrings,” 2024 (oil and spray paint on linen, 60 x 62 inches / 152.4 x 157.5 cm). | © Devin B. Johnson. Courtesy the artist and Nicodim. Photo by Yubo Dong / ofstudio photography
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