TYRA
JOHNSON

Tyra Johnson is best known for her sculptures contrasting organic and manufactured elements. A self taught multi-disciplinary artist, she began her professional art career exhibiting mixed media painting and developed a passion for sculpture, installation, and design. After a trip to Taos, New Mexico Tyra was inspired by earthen architecture and began to explore gestural human expression in a style reminiscent of the iconic Taos Pueblo ruins and the work of architect Antoni Gaudí. She draws further inspiration from Pablo Picasso’s method of abstraction - most notable in The Bull lithographs - and applies this technique to human anatomy and topographical environments. In January of 2023 as an artist in residence at the Chateau d’Orquevaux Residency in France, Tyra became entrenched in creating installations that immerse viewers in spaces reminiscent of landscapes from her travels while contemplating widely accepted constructs of our existence.

Johnson’s work focuses on communicating human experience through natural forms to demonstrate their interconnectedness. Themes rooted in mortality and social constructs prevail in her work – ultimately questioning the perceived fixed nature of these concepts. The contrast between fixed and fluid is consistently present in her work through style and material choices.

As an avid outdoors person, Tyra draws stylistic inspiration from topography and time spent in nature. This natural quality combined with metal, gemstones, and mirrors further emphasizes contrast: organic vs manufactured, delicate vs rigid, light vs dark. Johnson utilizes traditional ceramic techniques along with earthen architecture building principles. Due to the conceptual character of her work, she often incorporates poetry, musical accompaniment, and lighting elements to guide viewers to the question at hand. Through stimulating multiple sensory systems, Tyra creates an experience to navigate beliefs and ultimately inspire behavioral change.

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Photography by Taylor Stewart.