Materials - Rashid Johnson

I have been thinking about an artists choice of materials. What got me thinking about it was reading an interview with Rashid Johnson in Art in America. The choice of materials and objects Johnson uses are infused with both personal and social significance.  He places them within a formal structure that is often architectural and references the domestic which not only fascinates and entices you to think but the work is drop dead gorgeous (at least on-line I have yet to see in person).

I love the smooth sleek lines and the reflective quality of the material he uses in this work literally with the use of mirrored tiles






or in this with black ceramic tile






He creates the look of an altar. His abstraction is successful because of the symmetry and simplicity of the line against the grid of the tile edges.  But there is a tension in the abstraction at the focal point as he breaks the edges with paint.  He presents a literal introduction of the hand in contrast to the chosen objects strategically placed or held on shelves.






I admire how he plays with pattern using a zebra skin on an oriental rug.  Johnson adds gold embroidery which references the tradition and cultural heritage of rug making.

What's on the wall or on the floor what do we walk up to and see?   What do we look down on or walk on? The notion of what is precious what is a status symbol? Examining that which has been taken from other cultures stolen or poached. Johnson shows tension not just in issues of race but class in his choice of objects and how he presents them.


Here is a video clip of him talking about his work: