Employing themes of functionality and repetition, Michael Johansson subverts everyday objects into neatly packaged contemporary art.
Most of Johansson’s work pokes at the tension between what the artist calls the “now-familiar” and the “now-unknown,” finding a happy medium in an exaggerated form of regularity. Taking apart commonplace objects (suitcases, mattress springs, hairdryers), he both highlights and renders useless their original functions.
Brush up on Johansson’s gallery catalogue, sign up for his summer residency at Botnik Studios, read his artist statement, and peruse his vast archives.
Green Piece (2009), green garden equipment. Installation view: Galleri Arnstedt, Östra Karup.
Some Assembly Required – Bed Frame Included (2009). Installation view: Frameworks, Østfold Kunstnersenter, Fredrikstad.
Strövtåg i tid och rum or Strolls through time and space (2009). Installation view: Örebro Open Art, Stockholm.
Ghost II (2009). Installation view: Galleri Arnstedt, Östra Karup.
TOYS’R'US – Dingy scale 1:1 (2006). Installation view: Besökarna, Västra Hamnen, Malmö.
Engine Bought Separately – IV (2008). Exhibited as “Market Emerging” at Nordin Gallery, Stockholm, in 2009, and “Strings Attached” at Galerie Hartwich, Rügen, 2008.
Stills from That’s Low (2002), a video collaboration with Johan Fredrik Jonason.
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5 Responses
I don’t really understand it at all, but I like it. Reminds me of the (fading) art of Movie prop design which incorporates found and altered existing items. Originally odd.
Too much Tetris
Totally dig this.
Reminds me of those aerfix toys from my youth. This is the man to tidy up my house. So neat and colour coordinated. Love it.
Way cool! This is the sort of thing I’ve dreamed of doing for decades. Just goes to show that if you wait long enough, there’s no need to do anything, someone else will do it for you! Thanks, Mr. Johansson and Happy New Year!