EVERYTHING IN IT’S PLACE
We’re revisiting the work of Swedish artist, Michael Johansson - those well known, comfortably anal sculptures cataloging objects and items by color and size. This year he’s back with bigger scale installations. We asked Michael about the obsessive nature of his work. Of the objects, which appear to all fit in a thematic place…
“HAHAMAG: America has a new obsession with hoarders, attempting to conclude why there is a major necessity amongst individuals to maintain and at the same time be controlled by their “things”. Through your work, do you attempt to make note of the contemporary consumer’s obsession with “things” that has produced a seemingly anti-social society?
MJ: It is important to me that the objects within each work are connected on several levels, that not only the notions of color and shape adds up, but that the objects also make sense between themselves when it comes to qualities such as origin and spirit of time. But of even greater importance is that the work has the ability to connect with the viewer on several levels.
Dealing with our generation’s obsession with “things” is of course one major aspect of my work. But I am also intrigued by questions about functionality, efficiency, and the thin line between order and chaos, to mention some. I would never bother spending all this time putting my pieces together if I didn’t think my work held commentaries on today’s way of living, but I think the interpretation of the work can, and must, vary with each person, depending on their very own experiences and view on life.”
wanna read the rest of our interview…click here.
