De Buck Gallery is pleased to announce an upcoming solo exhibition by Los Angeles – based artist Dion Johnson. The exhibition titled Velocity marks the artist’s debut at the gallery and features new work all made in 2012.
Dion Johnson’s extraordinary use of acrylic paint creates almost digital landscapes, enhanced by his ability to camouflage both brush and stroke. Johnson’s distinctive technique solicits the viewer’s closer examination, although there is not trace of line to be found. His large-scale canvases are visual experiences in precision, beauty, design, and most importantly, color. Johnson facilitates the “dripping” effect of the paint, by augmenting reality, meaning, the overlap of color is not organic, rather the artist, challenging the viewer’s interpretation of color, and enhances it.
The artist finds inspiration in his surroundings, being the “bright lights, big city” of Los Angeles. Although not apparent at first glance, one can find allusion in his work to Art Deco architecture, car lights, and cliffs. For example, the vivid crimson hues within the large-scale work ‘Velocity,’ the exhibition’s namesake, perhaps bring to mind the glossy automobiles and vintage style of the film ‘American Graffiti.’ Whether one finds representational reference in the work, or focuses solely on the artist’s masterful technique, Velocity is a stunning collection of new work by Dion Johnson.
Dion Johnson received his Master of Fine Arts from the prestigious Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, California. He has been exhibited extensively on the West Coast and is in many public and private collections, including the Andaz Hotel in West Hollywood.
