The Art of Design | SOPAC meets COSMOSIS | Art and Community Revitalization

NEW YORK - May 12, 2014 - PRLog -- The exhibition COSMOSIS, The Visionary Art of Al Johnson at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC)  in South Orange, New Jersey, available for viewing until May 31^st, 2014,  is a reminder that the architect and the artist embrace the common bond of respect for the integrity of space and form. The architect documents the environment, formulates a plan and with imagination executes it for all to engage. The artist uses its “anthropoligistic” eye, observing its surroundings and creating a treatment of expression in medium for all to inspire.

Designed by award-winning architectural firm RKTB Architects, P.C. and built by Arnell Construction Corp., the 46,000 s.f., $13 million, multi-use, state of the art SOPAC was built with brick, aluminum, precast concrete panels and glass for affordability and features a grand lobby inspired by the civic architecture of Alvar Aalto and Giovanni Piranesi. RKTB’s sense of appreciation of art invites the visual artist to engage in the aesthetics with numerous opportunities for self-expression.

SOPAC addresses 21st Century America issues of regenerating suburban communities. Adjacent to the New Jersey Transit South Orange Station and commissioned by the Village of South Orange, the center presents diverse programming and includes a 425-seat auditorium for live performances, 5 first-run movie theatres and a multi-purpose community space.

“We’re arts lovers and strong supporters of community revitalization. For these reasons, SOPAC was especially meaningful to us.” – Carmi Bee, FAIA, President, RKTB Architects, P.C.

Curated by Micha Hamilton, COSMOSIS, The Visionary Art of Al Johnson known as “interpretizm” sets the tone for a heightened experience.  Al Johnson's creative process blends the styles and techniques of classical and contemporary art into a powerful and ecstatic vision of spiritually charged works, rooted in the realm of abstract expressionism.   Serving as the first artist to kick off SOPAC’s 2014 exhibition calendar, COSMOSIS integrates with the aesthetics most eloquently defined by RKTB.  The works created by Al Johnson on canvas and mixed media serve as a cultural and community ambassador for SOPAC’s pursuits.

“The architecture of SOPAC is an interplay between art and architecture which informs one another to create the experience. The context based upon light emanated throughout the day can change framing and composition. With its height and open space, art is installed to be seen from the main lobby where viewers can look upward into a heavenly, cathedral-like atmosphere, allowing for a two dimensional reality.  There are many angles in the design of SOPAC that can change the feel of the space.  By making use of these areas, Al Johnson’s artwork calls attention to the architecture of the space.  It’s all about the dance between art and architecture”. – Micha Hamilton, Curator

http://youtu.be/FvFaCm_JkaA



Al Johnson, Artist – Al Johnson captures the Classical, weaves it with the contemporary and refracts it through the prism of abstract expressionism.  He has exhibited internationally and is listed as one of the top 100 artist of the Romare Bearden Centennial Celebration. He created the original renderings of the Georgia Aquarium, the commissioned portrait of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and the YMCA Energy Tile Series permanently installed. Mr. Johnson’s painting “The Arrivals” was presented to First Lady Mrs. Obama.  He gives back to future artists through his unique teaching style designed by Al Johnson Art Studios. His passion is to inspire.

Micha Hamilton, Curator - Originally from Los Angeles, California, Micha Hamilton is a published photographer, filmmaker, writer and graphic designer.  Since 2009, Mr. Hamilton has been curating events and exhibitions in the New York/New Jersey area, drawing on his passion for art and utilizing his extensive production, live entertainment and multi-media events experience.

Al Johnson Art, Inc. - The mission of Al Johnson Art is to promote commercial and fine art that is thought provoking, uplifting the consciousness of the human spirit through exhibitions, art installations, commercial programming inclusive of storyboards for feature films and mentorship.

RKTB Architects PC - RKTB is an award-winning New York City-based architecture and urban design firm that has been designing multi-family housing, schools, theaters, libraries, commercial buildings, health care and transportation facilities since 1963.

Exhibition runs until May 31^st at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC), 1 Sopac Way, South Orange, New Jersey 07079 (25 minutes from Manhattan).

For All Inquiries: 646 435 1558 | aljohnsonartstudio@gmail.com

Al Johnson Art | http://www.aljohnsonartstudio.com

RKTB Architects, P.C. | http://www.rktb.com

South Orange Performing Arts Center | http://www.sopacnow.org