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Eleanor Johnson is a master of crafting vibrant paintings that seamlessly blend irreverent absurdity with a playful aesthetic, all while infusing an element of irony into the grotesque.
Fearlessly delving into taboo subjects like the abject body and sexuality, Johnson's art employs confrontational imagery to provoke thought and spark conversations about the unconventional. Her canvases serve as portals to a realm where imagination reigns supreme, rekindling a sense of wonder that may have dulled with the passage of time.
Recently, 4me4you had the privilege of immersing ourselves in the captivating world of Gillian Jason Gallery, where the spotlight shone brightly on the talented artist Eleanor Johnson.
– THE FEAST OF FOOLS –
The expansive, colorful canvases created by Johnson teeter on the delicate balance between abstraction and figuration.
Playing with the dichotomy of presence and void, she skillfully orchestrates a dance between positive and negative spaces, capturing biomorphic forms in the mesmerizing act of becoming.
Johnson’s work bears the unmistakable imprint of inspiration drawn from old master paintings, evident in her choice of color palettes, forms, and figurative elements.
In her latest series, aptly titled ‘The Feast of Fools,’ Eleanor Johnson delves into the realms of excess, power, and overindulgence prevalent in contemporary society. Drawing inspiration from Marco Ferrari’s 1973 film ‘La Grande Bouffe,’ .
Johnson embarks on an artistic exploration rooted in the satirical and pungent nature of the movie. Skillfully navigating profound and unsettling subjects, she approaches them with a soft, humorous lens, reminiscent of the old masters.
Continuously influenced by the Old Masters, Johnson circles back to the concept of dichotomy, drawing parallels with the work of Rubens. Reflecting on her inspiration, she shares,
“I remember looking at paintings such as ‘The Rape of the Sabine Women’ for the first time and thinking: how can something so dark be painted in such a beautiful way and become such a beautiful image?”
Eleanor Johnson’s work is a testament to her ability to navigate the complex interplay of light and shadow, beauty and darkness, inviting viewers to ponder the intricacies of the human experience.
Artist Eleanor Johnson
