Fine Artist Vanessa Johansson's Debut Solo Exhibition

In the Sky Garden Penthouse of Gramercy’s 200E20TH, fine artist Vanessa Johansson is currently exhibiting atmospheric works born of acrylic abstraction. It’s the New York City-based painter’s first solo show, following technical studies at the Art Students League. The residential setting amplifies Johansson’s dreamlike explorations while demonstrating the way each painting converses with CetraRuddy’s contemporary architecture. Next, the artist will participate in the group exhibition “Women and Abstraction” at Pierre Cornette de Saint Cyr in Paris.

“My work comes from a place very deep within. When I think about things I used to doodle and play around with when I was a kid, there is a real throughline style-wise,” Johansson tells Surface. “I didn’t fully recognize that until not that long ago. I was remembering this one oil pastel I made that had these swirling forms in it. I made the connection between the past and the present. All that I’m producing now, it was in me when I was young. That spirit, it comes through you as an artist no matter what type of art you make. The essence of me is what is on these canvases.”

A mesmerizing triptych, entitled Windows, acts as a series of portals along a central hallway. “I think the placement is lovely because you get this tumbling feeling from the progression of the three pieces,” Johansson adds. As for their ability to transport viewers, she says, “I really like to play with hiding certain elements, having things popping through, and revealing themselves. With that comes a sense of depth. These particular pieces feel very dreamy and ethereal, almost like you could go swimming in them.”

Perhaps the most expressive exchange comes from the piece entitled Fragility and the Manhattan skyline beyond the window its positioned beside. The Empire State Building is visible in contrast. “When considering this spot, I actually thought of this piece in particular,” Johansson explains. “This piece has a real softness to it, with these round forms, and then you have these rising spikes piercing a mystical area.” It’s an additional value to an impressively atypical venue for an art exhibition as Johansson sets contemplative scenes within 200E20TH’s elevated interiors.