As her three-month post-grad residency comes to a close, Kelly R Johnston talks with moderator Leslie Mounaime, Curator of Exhibitions at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, about her experiences during her time at the Torpedo Factory. Hear her speak about how Alexandria inspired her work and process, what she’s done during her time, and what she will be doing next.
2 pm – 3 pm
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Kelly Johnston explores identity by utilizing natural materials, employing their forms and textures. Her intuitive practice draws on her own lived experiences. She creates sculptures and installations, often casting human figures, to encourage her viewers to reflect on their own personal histories. Her sculptural works have branched into two major forms: 1) Exploring body discomfort by incorporating different organic materials such as hair, palm fiber and oxides into finished pieces. 2) Including man-made objects to create physical presence that resonates with viewers.
During her residency, Johnston challenged herself to explore new ways of making her castings and installations in order to be innovative and expressive of her ideas.
Kelly R Johnston
Originally from Washington, D.C., Johnston completed a bachelor’s in anthropology and in studio art at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. Johnston has exhibited internationally. Her work explores inherent tensions between emotional and physical discomfort. By using natural materials on large scales to create sculpture and installation, she hopes her viewers connect and address issues in their own lives. Her use of the human form can be seen as a common theme throughout her work, along with incorporating mixed-media to create visceral environments.
