5 Things We Learned... Kysa Johnson
Years ago, I was introduced to Kysa Johnson's art by the dynamic Sally Morgan Lehman, director and co-founder at Morgan Lehman Gallery in New York. We worked together in 2016-17 on a commission for a series of paintings and have subsequently stayed in touch because A. Kysa is as engaging and friendly as they come...and B. Her always-evolving work.
Immediately arresting and meticulously composed, Kysa's paintings and multi-media installations immerse you into worlds where art and science collide. She brings to life innovative breakthroughs in math and physics, such as string theory, by artistically rendering elements like subatomic decay patterns and molecular structures into vibrant colors, shapes, and sketches. Trained at the renowned Glasgow School of Art, Johnson's unique works have been exhibited at institutions such as The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art (Ridgefield, CT), The National Academy of Sciences (Washington, DC), The Nicolaysen Museum (Casper, WY) and The 2nd Biennial of the Canary Islands, among others. She has also created site-specific projects for Dublin Contemporary (2011) and the New York Armory Show, (2013).
Here are 5 Things We Learned about Kysa.
What made you...you?
I had an amazing chemistry teacher my sophomore year in high school who showed me that nature provides all the awe, wonder and sense of the sublime that one needs. My years at the Glasgow School of Art helped me to understand the importance of failure. That it wasn’t scary, but a necessary part of the process of creation.
When are you happiest?
When I’m in the depths of working on a large-scale drawing installation or project. Traveling for work and with my family. I love the stimulation of being somewhere new and sharing that with people I love.
Would you rather have a muse or be a muse?
Ooooh, definitely have a muse! I want to be the one working away, feeling inspired and excited.
Who do you admire?
David Bohm, the physicist - he was someone who remained excited and curious about the world his whole life. He revolutionized quantum physics but also brought these ideas to philosophy and thoughts on social interactions. His work influenced me immensely and you can see joy in his eyes when you see photos of him. (Also) Women who pioneered in their field especially in times when it was looked down upon to do, so Georgia O’Keefe, Louise Bourgeois, and Ada Lovelace.
What is important?
Approaching life with openness, honesty and humor. Not being afraid to fail, or to love. Staying curious, and interested in the world around you.
