“Roots & Windows”

Roots run deep into the ground not only to source water and nutrients to their plants, or to tether their plants to the ground, but to share and communicate with other roots. They feed each other, send messages, and exchange care. It is significant to me that this act of sharing and nourishing happens beneath the surface of human vision; our eyes perceive that organisms like trees are separate, but they are intricately connected and interdependent beyond what can be immediately seen. Similarly, each piece in this collection of paintings exists as a separate object, but their shared symbols act as a rooted network which connects and exchanges messages. While interacting in this way, the paintings also create windows and openings through which hearts, bows, pathways, and veils metaphorically describe the unseen sides of grief and human relationships.

Brooklynn Johnson is an artist and educator who works in multi media painting, sculpture, and performance. She received her BFA from Brigham Young University and her MFA from UC Davis. Her work has shown in California, Oregon, New York, Utah, Washington & Mexico, and will be an artist in residence through the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art’s AiR program. She currently lives, teaches, and works in Utah.