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Karin Johansson
Observations from a Distance
Wind & Garden
Necklaces, 2018
acrylic, gold, thread
(left) 480 x 290mm. (right) 500 x 140mm
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Karin Johansson
Observations from a Distance
Wind
Necklace, 2018
acrylic, thread
480 x 290mm
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Karin Johansson
Observations from a Distance
Garden
Necklace, 2018
acrylic, gold
500 x 140mm
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Karin Johansson
Observations from a Distance
Sun
Necklace, 2018
anodised aluminium, gold, acrylic
127 x 68mm, 270mm long
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Karin Johansson
Observations from a Distance
Sun
Necklace, 2018
anodised aluminium, gold, acrylic
127 x 68mm, 270mm long
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Karin Johansson
Observations from a Distance
Water
Necklace, 2019
anodised aluminium, gold
85 x 145mm, 280mm
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Karin Johansson
Observations from a Distance
Shells
Necklace, 2019
anodised aluminium, gold, acrylic
95 x 95mm (shells) x 280mm
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Karin Johansson
Observations from a Distance
Structure
Necklace, 2018
acrylic
350mm
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Karin Johansson
Observations from a Distance
Structure
Necklace, 2018
acrylic
350mm
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Karin Johansson
Observations from a Distance
Fire
Necklace, 2018
anodised aluminium, gold, acrylic, reconstructed turquoise
148 x 148 x 360mm
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Karin Johansson
Observations from a Distance
Flower
Necklace, 2018
anodised aluminium, gold, acrylic
135 x 165 x 310mm
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Karin Johansson
Observations from a Distance
Measure
Necklace, 2019
anodised aluminium, gold, acrylic
135 x 72 x 490mm
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Observations from a Distance
Karin Johansson
04 Jun – 20 Jun 2020
Sun, wind, flight, water, garden, fire, shells, structure, balance…
Let go, follow, and trust. See limitations as an asset, not an obstacle.
Follow gravity, look for a balance. Observe rather than analyze.
On a journey, in the middle of something.
/ Karin Johansson
Observations from a Distance is a selection of works taking inspiration from the surroundings and memories of places and imaginary pictures. The first line of the poem refers to names of pieces in the group on show at The National and hints at the landscapes and weather that inspired their making. At the same time titles of the pieces also to speak a more universal language, in order to invite to a broader understanding and varying interpretations.
Observations from a Distance refers to working from this place of memory as well as the distant horizon lines of a place and landscape where time is often spent. Even in the studio, keeping a little distance from the work, to observe it from a distance, and try and allow the work to evolve and breathe for itself, in an attempt to observe rather than analyze, which is another type of distance.
In the creative process of Karin Johansson gravity and balance are always central aspects in the work. Playing with the placement and composition to achieve directions and movement in the pieces. By making the holes in different places, you also achieve lines, energy and a more active approach.
All the pieces included in the exhibition are made from gold, acrylic and coloured aluminium, three materials and no soldering. By using fewer tools, aiming to achieve more simple solutions to the work and in the long run, altogether a stronger visual language.
Karin Johansson was born in Sweden. She currently works and lives in Gothenburg. In 1994 she graduated from HDK Academy of Design and Crafts Gothenburg University. Her work is featured in private and public collections and she is the recipient of several major grants and awards, among them the five+five years working grant of the Swedish Arts Grants Committee. She is one of the founders of the international jewellery gallery Hnoss in Gothenburg, later Hnoss Initiative. Between 2007-2019 she was the head of department/professor of the Jewellery Art department at HDK Academy of Design and Crafts Gothenburg University.
In February/March 2020, Karin was Artist in Residence at Dunedin School of Art in New Zealand.