M. Scott Johnson's Page

Statement

My work represents Shadow Matter, the interdimensional reflection of matter from the physical world -- the space within space.  Observing shadow matter, or negative space, gives me a clearer understanding of the life and deathforce of all objects.  I believe atavism (biocultural memory) opens up the compendium of human knowledge and guides me through negative space.  It makes me aware of the harmonies and vibrations of the darkness.  Understanding these mysterious syntaxes, I attempt to  shape the void and harness the creative rhythm of these alter- realities. 

     --M. Scott Johnson   2009

Bio

M. Scott Johnson New York based sculptor and photographer has literally carved out a legacy as one of the most stimulating and unique artists of his generation. Over the past decade, Johnson has explored, both in his own practice and through his teaching residencies, the vision of his ideal aesthetic, cultural memory and social realism. From childhood, Johnson has been fascinated with the narratives of the African Diaspora. As an undergraduate student, Johnson was recognized and intellectually mentored by noted African-American anthropologist, Dr. Warren Perry. Perry was instrumental in Johnson being selected to participate in the iconic volunteer program Operation Crossroads Africa, a member of its first group entering post-apartheid South Africa and Zimbabwe in 1994.

Johnson had his first real encounter with contemporary stone sculpture working in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Scott began experimenting with the medium by appropriating broken and discarded sculptures left by artists who worked in the alleyways of the city. As his skill developed, Johnson’s greatest opportunity came in 1996 when he auditioned and was selected to apprentice with sculptor and national hero, Nicholas Mukomberanwa (1940-2002). Mukomberawa helped Scott to develop numerous sensory channels to his form, imploring him to create using the vigor of Black American experiential imagination. In 2001, in an effort to incorporate his creative vision within other mediums Johnson began a journey with photography, influenced by the images of Roy DeCarava and Constantin Brancusi the sculptor as photographer.

Scott’s unusual narrative and fascinating contributions the African American aesthetic, has to led to lecture and speaking opportunities at a number of institutions including: the noted think tank TransAfrica Forum, Hampton University Museum, the Baltimore Museum of Art, The Maryland Institute of Contemporary Art, The New York Botanical Gardens and the New York Museum of African Art. Johnson’s work has been exhibited in galleries across the United States and internationally, including the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harvard University, Columbia University, and The New York Botanical Gardens.  His sculptures are held in both public and private collections, most notably Wilber Jennings Gallery/Kenkelaba House, Shirley and Ezekiel Reece of the Reece Galleries, The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and the Hampton University Museum where his sculpture, The Judgment of Peter Norton is included in the permanent exhibit.

In 2005, Scott was awarded The Vicktor Lowenfeld sculpture prize presented by The Hampton University Museum for his sculpture “the Tao of Physics”. Since 2004, he has held a visual arts teaching residency with The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. As an educator, Johnson’s residency exhibitions have been viewed by thousands at Lincoln Center's Cork Gallery, The Town Hall, The Schomburg Center, The Dwyer Center, The Williamsburg Historical Society and MoCADA. In 2009, the Schomburg Center assisted Johnson in publishing the anthology "Harlem Be Thy Name” by the Schomburg Junior Scholars Program. Also in 2009, at the bequest of Harvard University, MICA and Johns Hopkins University, Johnson was invited to a panel discussion at their conference “Transformations - New Directions in Black Art” and spoke on the relationship of the artist to the institution. In 2009, images from Johnson’s numerous teaching residencies were presented and archived by the library of congress in a lecture given by the Larson Fellow in Health and Spirituality, Dr. Fayth M. Parks,  entitled: “Legacy of Healing: Resilience and Positive Thought in African American Folk Beliefs, Spirituality, and Emotional Healing.”

Representation: Myrtis Bedolla
Work appraised by: Alvah T. Beander

Shadow Matter by M. Scott Johnson | Make Your Own Book