Mary A. Johnson

1986 Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

2008 Graduated from the Painting Department of Gordon College with a bachelor’s degree

2013 Graduated from the Visual Studies Department of the State University of New York at Buffalo with a master’s degree

Currently works and lives in Beijing

SOLO EXHIBITION

2013

Generatione Nostra est Scriptor Minas - Our Generation’ s Menace, Castellani Museum, Niagara, United States

2012

Velvet - Putrescence, Silo City, Buffalo, United States

2011

A Questionable Dinner, Ellicott Island Park, Tonawanda, United States

2010

Remnants of a Life Undercover, 464 Gallery, Buffalo, United States

GROUP EXHIBITION

2016

2016 Art Nova 100, Beijing, China

Science Inspires Art: FOOD, New York Hall of Science, New York, United States

Paperworks, ICAF Gallery Space, 798 Art District, Beijing, China

2014

57^th Chautauqua Annual Exhibition of Contemporary Art, Strohl Art Center, Chautauqua, United States

Mary A. Johnson: I use organic dyes made from the vegetal, as well as digitally altered images of said organic material arranged in still life reminiscent of the Flemish tradition, and traditional drawing materials to create images that purposefully distort the space between the experience and the image. The line between the actual, the image, the altered image and between materials becomes so blurred, the viewer remains in a state confusion. I use food as a primary medium to connect to the viewers’ corporeality. It’s ability to be at once both sensual and revolting is a direct result of its connection to the mouth, the stomach, and the mind. This physicality makes it an ideal conduit to discuss the overlaps, muddles and gaps between seduction and disgust; the perceived and the fantastical.