R E C E N T   W O R K S These works have been inspired by his travels and studies of the central deserts of Australia moving east to the coast. Other subjects for these works include a journey to the Cycladian Isles of Greece with a particular focus on Delos, 'The Sacred Island' and moving north to Italy where he is continual fascinated with the cultural richness of the Tuscan and Umbrian Hills. Ken Johnson sketching at Hill End

B I O G R A P H Y
"The line between illusion and reality evokes the mystery of the desert, a subject which in itself is infinite."
	Born Sydney, 1950 After graduating from the National Art School in which he studied graphic design, Johnson staged his first one-man exhibition in Sydney in 1970. He has relentlessly pursued his passion for painting, drawing and sculpture and his uncompromising respect for the environment - love of nature and the life-force imagery which exists in nature in all its peculiarities.   Johnson is represented in major collections both private and corporate, throughout the world and was included in many international exhibitions including the Chicago Art Expo, Australian Art Today, Design Centre, Los Angeles, USA.
	"In 1971 I began travelling extensively throughout the world whilst recording particular images pertaining to my existing style. These included such diverse subjects as the Island peoples within Greater Asia. Whilst living in Japan, my work underwent a major change in direction, resolving the theatrical events of Kabuki plays, perceived through western eyes. This gave rise to the aesthetic appreciation of line, citing calligraphy, haikus, woodblocks etc.   After five intense years involved with the aspects of Japanese theatre, I returned to Australia to meet new challenges involved with interpreting the Australian landscape. Hence, 1980 onwards has seen a return to my roots prior to 1970 and of that era. Now with a great deal of travelling throughout Australia I devote much of my time in the challenges of taking an overview of the desert, using it as a 'stage' in which the actors are manifested through the presence of flora, rock and Aboriginal art imagery.   A characteristic of this new work could only be described as a deliberate investigation or approach into the areas of illusion and to be present through the day and ages.   Projecting images of vastness, the viewer follows the often inanimate subjects within, to infinity, thus animating the 'characters' in the 'stage format' and moving across the canvas under a mirage of fragmented light and phases." Ken Johnson 27.6.88 NEW YORK
	H i s t o r y 1966 National Art School Diploma Graphic Design. 1970-72 Study Tour USA, South America, Europe, Asia, Scandinavia. 1973 Pacific Islands - Chile 1974 Torres Strait - Tahiti 1975 Japan 1976 Bali - Java 1977 Japan, USA, Central America 1978 Japan 1980-82 Eastern Australia   O n e   M a n   S h o w s 1970-75 Strawberry Hill Gallery, Sydney Gallery Manuel Berne, Switzerland 1976 Included in Qantas Art Exhibition 1977 David Sumner Gallery, Adelaide 1978 Studio Zerd, Queensland 1978, 79, 81 Barry Stern Exhibiting Gallery, Sydney 1981 Cooks Hill Galleries, Newcastle 1982 Cooks Hill Galleries, Newcastle 1982, 83 Represented in Wynne Prize 1983 Represented in Archibald Prize.   C o l l e c t i o n s He is represented by galleries throughout Australia; Munson Galleries, Santa Fe, New Mexico and Massachusetts USA; James Cook University of North Queensland; Gallerie Manuel Berne, Switzerland; St. Josephs College, Hunters Hill, Sydney; Christian Bros. College, Waverley; Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co; Comalco; Qantas; BP; MEPC; Woolworths News Ltd; McDonalds NY; Presential Palace, Israel.   P u b l i c a t i o n s POL Magazine; VOGUE Magazine; Arts News Magazine. Represented in Artists and Galleries of Australia & NZ.
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