The Arts and Leisure
project space in East Harlem is currently presenting a collection of works by Aaron
Johnson for the show ¡Eso Si Que Es! (S.O.C.K.S), which roughly
translates to “It is what it is!”
As part of the
exhibition title might suggest, the recurring theme in Johnson’s paintings are
the usage of socks in different contexts. When he got the idea for the project,
Johnson contacted several friends through Facebook and asked if they could send
him pairs or single socks in exchange for his drawings.
With the pairs
of socks he received, Johnson incorporated them into his dynamic acrylic on
linen paintings. For instance, one piece titled Snarler depicts a ghostlike creature with its eyes and mouth wide
open forming a dramatic expression. Johnson uses dark
colors such as mauve or crimson for this painting to convey notions of human
fears and personal demons one might be battling internally.
 |
| "Snarler" (2014) by Aaron Johnson |
Another notable
piece titled Clobber Head is quite
action-packed as it depicts another mysterious lopsided creature, with two
fists emerging from both sides of the image punching one of its eyes, which is
pure white, appears to be popping out from the creature’s face. The mouth is
wide open as though crying for help, and the throat is illustrated as several
circles that very much look as though it could be a third eye.
About his work,
Johnson has said “In a
very real way, these works could not have been made without the contributions
of other people, and metaphysically, it brought a sense of collective
consciousness into the work.”
Aaron Johnson studied at from
Hunter College where he received his MFA and lives and works in Brooklyn. His
work is featured permanent collections at Museum of Modern Art, and other
institutions across the country.
At Arts and Leisure, 1571 Lexington Ave.
(between 100th and 101st streets), through Apr. 19. The space is open Wed.—Sun.
from 11 a.m.—6 p.m., or by appointment.
