Claudette Johnson: Presence

Claudette Johnson is a British artist who is a founding member of the Black British Arts Movement. She has created large-scale drawings of Black women and men that are intimate and powerful. This catalogue accompanies a major exhibition of her work at The Courtauld Gallery.

Format: Hardback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2023
Publisher: Paul Holberton Publishing Ltd

This catalogue accompanies a major exhibition of work by British artist Claudette Johnson (b. 1959) at The Courtauld Gallery. A founding member of the Black British Arts Movement, Johnson is considered one of the most significant figurative artists of her generation. For over 40 years, she has created large-scale drawings of Black women and men that are at once intimate and powerful.

Johnson's work explores the complex and multifaceted nature of identity, challenging traditional notions of race, gender, and beauty. Through her meticulous attention to detail and her use of bold colors and expressive lines, she creates a sense of immediacy and emotion that draws the viewer into her world.

One of the most striking features of Johnson's work is her ability to capture the essence of her subjects in a single image. Whether it's a portrait of a Black woman or a man, she manages to convey a sense of their individuality and their place in the world. Her portraits are often filled with a sense of dignity and strength, and they serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and beauty of the Black community.

In addition to her portraits, Johnson has also created a series of landscapes that reflect her interest in the natural world. These works are characterized by their use of bold colors and abstract forms, and they serve as a commentary on the relationship between humans and their environment.

Throughout her career, Johnson has received numerous awards and accolades for her work, including a knighthood in 2017. She has also been the subject of numerous exhibitions and publications, and her work is held in collections around the world.

In conclusion, Claudette Johnson is a visionary artist who has made a significant impact on the world of contemporary art. Her work explores the complex and multifaceted nature of identity, challenging traditional notions of race, gender, and beauty. Through her meticulous attention to detail and her use of bold colors and expressive lines, she creates a sense of immediacy and emotion that draws the viewer into her world. Johnson's portraits are powerful reminders of the resilience and beauty of the Black community, and her landscapes serve as a commentary on the relationship between humans and their environment. Her legacy will continue to inspire and influence artists for generations to come.

Dimension: 260 x 250 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913645540