Established Gallery presents “Creatures of Desire,” a solo show by Traci Johnson. The show runs from Wednesday, July 6th – Saturday July 30th with an opening reception on Friday, July 8th from 7-9pm.
Johnson (they/them) was born and raised in Brooklyn and graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. Their concepts are driven by mental health, and art and fashion as therapy subcultures. Johnson’s work is informed by trauma and how the human mind, soul, and body can be soothed by a moment. They also hope to bring a sense of euphoria and vibration within the colors of their art.
In their solo show, “Creatures of Desire,” Johnson depicts abstract, womanly forms via textiles, weaving, and yarn rugs. These forms allude to the perception of women’s bodies as sexual vessels. Johnson invites the viewer to examine how womanhood is often projected onto others and oneself, and to imagine a world in which women reclaim their sexuality and are given the space to explore various roles.
“Women are often held to some preconceived notion of how they ought to live, and the world tries to carve them into more ‘acceptable’ versions of themselves. This must be acknowledged and changed. Why must we carry the trauma of so many generations before us? It is my hope that these characters provide a roadmap for women to find their way back to their true, unapologetic, wild selves,” said Johnson.
Gallery owners Hally and Johnny Thornton, who took over ownership of Established Gallery on June 1st, feel the themes of this show could not be more significant to current events in the United States.
“We have wanted to work with Traci for a while, but the timing of this show is certainly prescient. With the overturning of Roe v. Wade and a Supreme Court that is hellbent on rolling back the rights of everyone in America who is not a cishet white male, artists like Traci need to be platformed now more than ever. Questioning social constructs and interrogating long-held beliefs is the only way forward, and Traci’s work does that in a very beautiful and accessible way,” said Hally.
Established Gallery is located at 75B 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215. Gallery hours are Wednesdays from 3-7 pm (figure drawing from 7-10 pm), and Thursday – Saturday from 3-8 pm. We are also available by appointment.
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“Though her soul requires seeing, the culture around her requires sightlessness. Though her soul wishes to speak its truth, she is pressured to be silent.”
– Clarissa Pinkola Estes