PAST EXHIBITION
PAST EXHIBITION
2024/9/20 (Friday) – 10/13(Sunday)
13:00-19:00
Wednesday – Saturday, last Sunday
Free admission / Open by appointment outside the above hours.
CALM & PUNK GALLERY is pleased to announce solo exhibition by Adrian Johnson, a British artist based in Denmark, titled The Subject is the Object, and the Object is the Subject, from September 20 to October 13, 2024.
Each painting features an ‘object’ imbued with a personality portraying ‘ambivalence’ in an attempt to create an emotional resonance and personality through observation, form, and function. His distinctive color palette, applied to simplified motifs, combined with the well-balanced composition of the canvas, evokes a sense of relief and euphoria. The detailed facial parts further enhance a sense of familiarity and humor. The tranquil feeling that arises when facing the canvas is reinforced by the strong compositional structure. Please enjoy these works that exude a presence of “an unmistakable ally, though not family.”
The title of this exhibition, The Subject is the Object, and the Object is the Subject, expresses the intention to create a synergy between what is observed and what is abstract. Curated by using distinctive sequencing and a limited, uniform color palette, each artwork works individually, and pairs with a corresponding piece from the other part of the collection. In this way, each piece and each pair will create surprising responses and build connections, both via the understanding of form and function, and through the visual communication of thought.
Adrian Johnson has had a career as an illustrator for over 20 years, contributing many memorable works to the commercial world. This will be his first solo exhibition in Japan as a painter. The exhibition will feature two large-scale pieces and 14 smaller works, focusing on his unique, hand-painted works on canvas. We sincerely hope you will visit and enjoy the exhibition.
Adrian Johnson
British graphic artist / illustrator / art director
Based in Copenhagen, Denmark
Adrian Johnson has been creating unique and highly distinctive works for many years. His trademark graphic style, characterized by exaggerated yet balanced compositions, continues to evolve, always standing apart from passing trends or fleeting fashions. Known for his attention to detail, humor, and a timeless and sophisticated simplicity, he is recognized as one of the most original image-makers.
In addition to his commercial work, Adrian Johnson has exhibited in London, Paris, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. He has also lectured at numerous universities and art schools across Europe and has been a guest speaker at design conferences worldwide.
Seected client work
Unicef, Adidas, Adobe, Apple, Arkitip, The Brooklyn Brewery, Coca Cola,Eurostar, Facebook, Google, Harry’s, IBM, Paul Smith, Pentagram, Puma, Norse Projects, Stüssy, Tomorrowland,Transport for London, UNIQLO, Volkswagen etc.