Murray State University welcomes artist Autumn Johnson for “Never Again” solo exhibition

 

MURRAY, Ky. — The Murray State University Galleries and the Department of Art & Design are pleased to present the solo exhibition “Never Again” featuring recent work by Autumn Johnson. The exhibition is on view in the Mary Ed Mecoy Hall Gallery Jan. 14 through Feb. 12. 

“Never Again” is a collection of prints and mixed media drawings from artist Autumn Johnson. Johnson’s work explores the intersections of nature, identity and transformation. This important work questions societal norms to showcase and celebrate examples of biodiversity that do not fit within humanity’s heterosexual, cisgender defaults. Their practice is rooted in navigating the tension between appearance and understanding; what is seen compared to what is known. Johnson uses materials and methods that carry histories of replication and resistance, such as printmaking, finding in them a language for exploring how the self is constructed and perceived. Printmaking allows them to engage with the processes of layering, repetition, and mirroring-methods that reflect the organic symmetries and disruptions found in the natural world. Johnson’s work invites viewers to consider nature not as fixed or binary, but as fluid, ever evolving and inherently expansive.

Johnson is an artist who specializes in intaglio printmaking from Long Bottom, Ohio. They received their Master of Fine Arts from Louisiana State University in 2023 and their Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ohio University in 2019. Johnson's work explores the relationships between humanity, nature, gender and sexuality through printmaking, drawing and installation. Their love for nature and drawing paired with their desire to express their own nonbinary identity has influenced their work over the years. 

The University Galleries visitor hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission to the galleries is free and open to the public. For more information about the Department of Art & Design, visit murraystate.edu/art or follow them on Instagram @murraystateart.