Nancy Johnson: Self Portrait Paintings From Past to Present

January 26 - February 28, 2020
Opening Reception Sunday, January 26 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

 

 Nancy Johnson Artist Statement:
For many years, my paintings consist mostly of still-lifes and self-portraits that have an insular, intimate quality. Such paintings are the best means for sharpening my ability to observe and for honing my skills of representation, and also suit my appreciation of solitary study and meditation. My Self-Portraits provide me an avenue for detailed exploration, with myself as the focus. They are a way for me to reflect as the passing of time and events influence my inner state of being and my outer appearance. I have the opportunity to create a narrative, and to be playful, once in a humorous historical reference with myself as Velázquez’s La Infanta Maria Therese, in a homage to Freud’s Queen Elizabeth portrait, or as a hipster with a hip-hop attitude. But, still, most importantly, I am captivated by the physicality and craft of painting, its viscosity and malleability. When the oils and pigments coalesce and congeal to an almost sculptural effect, that is when I reach my personal nirvana.
 

Nancy Johnson Bio:
Nancy Johnson was born in Springfield, MA in 1959. She received her BFA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1982, and her MFA from Yale University in 1985.

Johnsons’  works have been shown at the Icon Gallery in Brunswick, ME, and she participated in an exhibition, “4 Women Painters,” at Anderson University. She was also invited to participate in the “Posers and Rockers” Show at the Brooklyn Artist Gym, and participated in Group Shows at 440 Gallery, and as part of the “Metro 26” Show. She recently had a solo exhibition of her paintings at 510 Warren Street Gallery in Hudson, NY. Her paintings can be seen annually as part of the Arts Gowanus Open Studio and 92Y Faculty Show.

She has taught at Mount Wachusett Community College, Westfield State College, and University of Massachusetts at Amherst as an Adjunct Professor. She currently teaches painting and drawing at the 92Y in Manhattan.

She is the recipient of a Grant from Ford Foundation, and of an award for Excellence in Drawing from Strathmore. She currently lives and maintains her studio in Brooklyn, NY.