Leasho Johnson

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Artwork title: When Sugar was Queen #2 (courtesy of the artist and Susanne Fredrix)
oil, spray paint, gold leaf, vinyl, and gesso on paper | 44 x 30 inches

Tell us about the work that you have submitted.
The piece alludes to the idea of European colonial ventures capturing and archiving the “wildness” of the New World, and colonists’ simultaneous obsession with separating themselves from nature, deeming anything outside of Europe as uncivilized and primitive.

How do you describe your work and practice?
I describe my work as social commentary but also as an exercise in humor. My practice takes a character I call an avatar that is part invention, part ministerial illustration, and part pop culture. I use the character as an index through which to explore contemporary and historical notions around race and gender.

What motivated you to apply to the AXA Art Prize?
I’m usually afraid of validation through competition, as I’m fully aware of what it might do to my confidence and my audience. I believe this opportunity may provide my work with a valuable stepping stone to the next frontier in my artistic journey.

What about figurative work do you find particularly inspiring?
The body is an import site for discourse as it relates to me both as a person of color and as a male navigating history, sexuality, beliefs, gender, identity and a post-colonial space.

www.leashojohnson.com
Instagram | @leasho_johnson