Global Intellect

Chris Johanson’s new book, Please Listen I have Something to Tell You About What Is, surveys drawings, paintings, installations and sculptures he completed from 1992–2006. Moving chronologically, the book documents how his art progresses— from his beginnings as a street artist in San Francisco to his more recent contemplative work in Portland where he now lives—while some themes and characters stay consistent. Full of colorful geometric shapes, balloon people as well as naked men and women, his simple figures are all busy doing many things, like talking in cartoon speech bubbles, hugging, standing in lines, having sex and contemplating life, and are painted in a näive style that’s synonymous with Johanson’s work.

Also included are some collaborative pieces that Johanson did with other artists, such as his wife Jo Jackson. Tobin Yelland contributes photos of Johanson dumpster-diving for wood (Johanson has always primarily used found and/or household materials), which he […]

Original post by Wendy Dembo