Kyle Johnson
Born 1982 in Bakersfield, CA
Tierra del Sol artist since 2019
Kyle Johnson is a visionary artist working across painting, drawing, ceramics, textiles, and poetry. After a childhood accident and the subsequent period of rehabilitation, Johnson turned to artmaking as a refuge and source of inspiration. Johnson’s practice allows him to cope with his physical inability to walk; he says “While I’m working, all the problems I have seem to go away.” Johnson comfortably oscillates between writing and visual art, he is the author of two books of poetry. In his debut collection, “Drawing a Blank,” Johnson uses his poems and drawings to offer insight into the intersection of race, disability, environmentalism, and love. His most recent book, “Outta My Head,” is an experimental collection of poetry and philosophy based on phone conversations between Johnson and his mentor, Garland McCutcheon. Emphasizing the natural beauty offered by the earth, his acrylic paintings depict grassy fields, dramatic skies, monumental trees, billowing clouds, and boundless roads. Painting landscapes attunes Johnson to the inherent growth and energy of nature. With wisdom, tenderness, and intensity, Johnson beckons viewers and readers to explore his unbridled vision of the world.
Johnson’s debut solo exhibition, “Working Man’s Hands,” was exhibited at Tierra del Sol Gallery in Spring 2023 and included two special events: a poetry reading curated by the artist and an artist talk between Johnson and jill moniz.
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