Artist statement
My work may be described as (afro) abstract expressionist representationalism,
as seen through the eyes of a person of color.
I use mixed mediums, printmaking and collage to create my work.
I utilize abstraction, expressionism and representationalism usually all in the same painting.
I also utilize text, usually a stream of consciousness imagery culled from the African diaspora.
The haints and loa, spirits, ghosts and demons, the maroon living in the hills. The saints and orisha, things unseen and unnoticed, the ritual power of belief. I create cosmologies out of the whole of black experience.
Meet the Artist
David Johns III and David Johns IV showcase their works of art at the Overlea ArtsFest - Summer 2024
A Little bit about me
Education
Master in Fine Art, Fine Art
Bachelor in Fine Art, Fine Art
The Hoffberger School of Painting, Maryland Institute, College of Art - Baltimore, Maryland
Maryland Institute, College of Art - Baltimore, Maryland
Honors
1985-1987
Recipient of the Ford Foundation Fellowship for Minority Artists
Exhibitions
Recent Solo Shows
2024
"Kaleidiscope", Juried Art Show, Overlea ArtsFest, Holt Park and Center for the Arts, Baltimore Maryland
2023
"Through the Looking Glass" Juried Art Show, Overlea ArtsFest, Holt Park and Center for the Arts, Baltimore Maryland
2003
"Notebook" Artscape '03, Baltimore, Maryland
2001
"With the Devil at My Feet" Solo Exhibition, Egypt Cafe, Canaan Valley, West Virginia
Past Group Shows
2004
2002
HeRan, The Large Art Company, Baltimore, Maryland
Fall Group Show HeRan, Temporary Gallery, Baltimore, Maryland