Matt Johnson

Matt Johnson’s sculptures delightfully explore the paradox of visual forms through unorthodox and surprising materials. The Pianist (After Robert J. Lang) pays tribute to the American physicist and master origami artist who has astounded with his mathematically complex objects crafted from creased paper. Rendered life-sized, Johnson’s giant origami masterpiece is made from one 50 foot piece of tarp folded into the shape of a concert grand piano and player, humorously honouring genius with floppy monumentality. Johnson’s choice of blue wrapping is a clever reference to Yves Klein – whose signature International Klein Blue (also a scientific marvel) is synonymous with sublimation and glamour – theatrically elevating his wonky musician to iconic design status. Titled after the very first species of apple from which all other ‘forbidden fruit’ has evolved, Johnson’s Malus Sieversii is a life sized wooden carving of the fruit most associated with computers and record labels. Within its mostly eaten flesh, Johnson’s etched a miniature Escher-esque staircase, winding endlessly up and down the core. Drawing on both religious and scientific references, Johnson’s hand-crafted emblem of original sin humbly poses as a microcosm of sublime wonder and contemplation.