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Lot Essay
Matt Johnson's sculptures explore the paradox of visual forms through unorthodox unconventional materials. The Pianist (After Robert J. Lang) from 2005 pays tribute to the American physicist and master origami artist renowned for his mathematically complex objects crafted from creased paper. Here, a single gigantic blue tarp measuring fifty-foot, has been folded and refolded by the artist into a larger-than-life figurative work representing a concert grand piano and pianist. The Pianist (After Robert J. Lang) humorously honours genius through rendering an ordinary material into a sculpture of monumental scale. Moreover, Johnson's choice of blue wrapping is a playful reference to the International Klein Blue - a colour synonymous with sublimation.
Born in New York and living in Los Angeles, Johnson is an artist who champions the historic and fantastical potentials of sculpture. As a former student of Charles Ray, Johnson's practice is both a celebration and investigation into the history of art. Johnson transforms materials commonly found in art studios and construction sites such as dust, stone and steel into unexpected forms, exposing the scientific and spiritual potency of these seemingly humble objects with dramatic effect. Seemingly modeled in a crude and spontaneous manner, The Pianist (After Robert J. Lang) is an unconventional work that belies material reality, and is testament to Johnsons irreverent approach to sculpture today.
Born in New York and living in Los Angeles, Johnson is an artist who champions the historic and fantastical potentials of sculpture. As a former student of Charles Ray, Johnson's practice is both a celebration and investigation into the history of art. Johnson transforms materials commonly found in art studios and construction sites such as dust, stone and steel into unexpected forms, exposing the scientific and spiritual potency of these seemingly humble objects with dramatic effect. Seemingly modeled in a crude and spontaneous manner, The Pianist (After Robert J. Lang) is an unconventional work that belies material reality, and is testament to Johnsons irreverent approach to sculpture today.