Classical Roman sculptures, grand stone arches and lush tropical palms might evoke the timeless splendor of ancient history, but in artist Anders Johnson’s surreal landscape, they share space with vibrant, twisting water slides and neon inner tubes. The Western Illinois University Art Gallery will host Johnson’s solo exhibition, 'Sea Legs,' on view Oct. 6 through Nov. 12.
An opening reception for the exhibition will take place Thursday, Nov. 12, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., featuring an artist talk at 5 p.m. where Johnson will discuss the conceptual and technical layers behind his striking canvases.
In featured works like 'Prolate'— a massive 46-by-65-inch oil and acrylic painting—Johnson presents a dizzying collision of high art and commercial leisure. Stoic, reclining marble statues and classical columns are interwoven with bright yellow, purple, and green water flumes that wind wildly through stone courtyards. Winged cherubs adorn plastic slides, arcade vending machines sit nestled beneath ancient stone archways, and turquoise pools shimmer beside classical relief carvings. The result is a vibrant, thought-provoking commentary on architectural history, consumer culture, and the artificial spaces constructed for human escape.
Based in Bowling Green, KY, Johnson serves as an assistant professor of Art/Foundations at Western Kentucky University. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from North Park University and his Master of Fine Arts from Indiana University.
Johnson’s work has garnered widespread national recognition, including features in New American Paintings and on the “Studio Break Podcast.” His recent exhibition record includes solo shows at the Tom Thomas Gallery at IU East in Richmond, Indiana, and the Red Brick Center for the Arts in Aspen, Colorado. His pieces have also been selected for group exhibitions at Warnes Contemporary in Brooklyn, New York; the Indy Art Center in Indianapolis; and the Buckham Gallery in Flint, Michigan.
