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Artist Statement

Memories are like ghosts: somewhat blurry, a little haunting, and inherently transitory. I have found that using the written word to convey memories is ultimately flawed; it lacks the ability to combine the sensory and empathetic elements in the way that being in the same physical space as the visceral ghosts of memory can immediately recreate the true emotion. My goal is to share with others these memories that are both beautiful and intrinsically warped by distances and time. I have recently been more engaged by sculptural and normal objects, but the medium is intended to be fluid and not bounded by any predetermined artistic expectations. Through this process, I have developed a deep empathy for others with the new ability to witness the subconscious, nonverbal art we create in our every day.

About the Artist

Based in San Francisco, Renae Johnson is a multi-modality artist. Having studied in the MFA and Art Therapy programs at Pratt Institute in New York, she has shown her work all over the United States. In the past several years, Renae has enhanced her creative language by focusing on her career as an art therapist, working with adults who suffer from mental health and substance use disorders. 

Currently in the studio, she is working on life-sized sculptures made from broken glass, wax, and found objects, and larger than life two-dimensional portraits using print-making and water color techniques.

Exhibitions

(2019)

Art Explosion San Francisco, CA

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(2018)

Art Explosion San Francisco, CA

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(2017)

SFOS w. ArtSpan San Francisco, CA

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(2016)

SFOS w. ArtSpan San Francisco, CA

Go For A Loop Gallery San Fran, CA

Under the Table San Fran, CA

 

(2015)

Go For A Loop Gallery San Fran, CA

 

(2012)

BWAC Gallery Brooklyn, NY

 

(2010)

West Gallery Brooklyn, NY

Pratt CDSC Featured Artist Brklyn, NY 

Schaefler Gallery Brooklyn, NY

 

(2009)

Potion Brooklyn, NY
Studio C7 
San Diego, CA 
Basic 
San Diego, CA
Schuga River 
San Diego, CA

(2008)

Schuga River San Diego, CA
Agora 
Houston, TX

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(2007)

The Independent Minneapolis, MN
Festival of the Arts 
Detroit, MI
57th Street Art Fair 
Chicago, IL
Uptown Art Fair 
Minneapolis, MN
Cherry Creek Arts Festival 
Denver, CO
Des Moines Art Festival 
Des Moines, IA
Bayou City Art Festival 
Houston, TX

 

(2006)

Northrup King Minneapolis, MN

Art Attack Minneapolis, MN
Plaza Art Fair 
Chicago, IL
Metris Uptown Art Fair 
Mpls, MN
Art Market 
Minneapolis, MN
The Independent 
Minneapolis, MN
First Thursdays 
Minneapolis, MN
Art-A-Whirl 
Minneapolis, MN

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(2005)

The Octagon Ames, IA
Des Moines Art Festival Des Moines, IA
The Vintage Minneapolis, MN

Art Attack Minneapolis, MN
Savvy House 
Minneapolis, MN
Jet Set 
Minneapolis, MN

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