MUTOPE J. JOHNSON

Focusing on political and social economic positions of African-Americans, Mutope's current work demonstrates a true understanding of the fine art media and how it can be used to create works of art that speak to the human condition. Capturing the tone of that condition is what inspires me to paint.  The exuberant watercolor and watercolor pencil, in varied and strongly patterned backgrounds and the expressive gestures of his characters brings a heightened energy to his current work. The human figure, whether treated as a group portrait or as an individual, remain his favored subjects. His robust figurative paintings provide an important link between the African-American Social Realism period, which blossomed during the Harlem Renaissance period and today's African-American contemporary art scene.

His work is collected throughout the United States. The Greer Oaks Art Gallery, Peltz Gallery in Milwaukee and Susan Woodson Gallery in Chicago represent Johnson. An award winning artist, Johnson has had exhibitions at the Charles Allis Fine Arts Museum, Northern Kentucky University, The Milwaukee Art Dealers Association, Art Milwaukee, The Chicago South Side Community Art Auction and Juxtaposition Arts Minneapolis.

CONTACT:  mutope@sbcglobal.net.

        ©Mutope J. Johnson - King of Comedy

       ©Mutope J. Johnson - James Baldwin

          ©Mutope J. Johnson - King Louis