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Leah Heagy |
Art Department Manager Dion Johnson’s paintings were on display at the Rebecca Ibel Gallery in Columbus, Ohio. He has been working for the University of La Verne since 2000 and has exhibited many works throughout the United States. Johnson received his B.F.A. from Ohio State University and M.F.A. from Claremont Graduate University. |
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Victoria Allende
Staff Writer
Far beyond his curatorial duties here, University of La Verne Art Department Manager and Gallery Director Dion Johnson is an accomplished artist in his own right.
As of Jan. 22, his paintings have been on exhibit at the Rebecca Ibel Gallery in Columbus, Ohio.
Johnson’s exhibit, which closes today, is titled “Isotope Series.”
In it, Johnson said, he catches the viewer’s eye as he blends simple and bold focal points with complexity and detail. Objects that go relatively unnoticed are brought to attention in Johnson’s works.
Johnson reveals that this ordinary, everyday thing he focuses on “makes it fantastic.”
“One of the most interesting things about his work is his fascinating play with surfaces,” said Assistant Professor of Art History at ULV Jon Leaver.
“There are different images with different layers (coming together) as one image,” Leaver said.
Leaver described Johnson’s art as separating the elements out of an object and then “sandwiching” them together in a picture.
One piece called “Pins and Needles” takes an ordinary object, a staple remover, and brings new attention to it.
The canvas provides much more for the eye than simply the staple remover.
“The exhibit had a successful opening and received a terrific response,” Rebecca Ibel, gallery owner and director, said.
When describing Johnson’s “Isotope Series,” on display in Ibel’s Miranova Gallery, she said that those who have seen Johnson’s work have responded very favorably.
Ibel gives Johnson high praise and describes him as a talented and dedicated artist.
Johnson’s dedication as an artist can be seen in his commitment to continue producing new artwork.
He believes it is best to set a regular time to work on his paintings.
Johnson explains that he provides himself with these deadlines to get his artwork finished, as this work is more than a hobby, it is his career as well.
Johnson has been working together with Ibel and her gallery since 1997.
Johnson began showing his work by participating in group exhibits to get his work recognized.
During the course of these exhibits, he was approached by the gallery. This led to a successful working relationship.
“She works with several Los Angeles artists,” Johnson said. “She visits my studio about twice a year to see my work.”
Johnson describes his downtown studio as, “my little workshop to make pictures.”
He has been working in his studio since 2000.
Born and raised in Ohio, Johnson attended Ohio State University where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1997.
In 2000, he earned his master of fine arts degree from the Claremont Graduate University.
When Johnson is not busy with his art, he finds joy in many hobbies. He enjoys watching movies, listening to music and traveling.
Through the Rebecca Ibel Gallery, Johnson will also be featured in an upcoming exhibit in New York, called “Pulse New York,” from Mar. 27-30.
Those interested in viewing Johnson’s current exhibits in Ohio without paying the airfare can go online to the Rebecca Ibel Gallery Web site at www.rebeccaibel.com.
Victoria Allende can be reached at vallende@ulv.edu.
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