The John M. Crawford, Jr. Art Gallery will host a new exhibition, “Biophilia,” featuring the artwork of local artist Leif Erik Johansen. The exhibition is on display beginning November 2 – December 15. On Thursday, November 2, community members are invited to a reception and evening with the artist from 5:30-7:00 p.m. in the gallery.
Leif Erik Johansen is a self-taught artist from Asheville, NC. He has been creating art since he was a child. In lieu of an art degree, he chose to travel the world and see firsthand the many beautiful and exotic places that have inspired so many great artists throughout history. Leif specializes in pop surrealism paintings and paper cut mixed media dioramas and light boxes.
Leif shares the following about “Biophilia:”
Through my surrealist lens, I explore the relationship we have to the natural world, the effects we have on it, and what it has on us, from pollution and climate change to the Japanese philosophy Shinrin Yoku, also known as “forest bathing” which suggest being surrounded by nature has healing effects. Another term I stumbled upon is Biophilia (the title of my exhibition) which is defined as the innate human instinct to connect with nature and other life forms. Ever since I was a child I’ve had a deep connection to the environment and have a particular sensitivity to the way we treat it. The purpose of this body of work is to create a dialogue about this relationship.
Learn more about the artist here.
Gallery Hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday by appointment only. To make an appointment, please contact Ms. Casey Arbor via email ([email protected]) or phone 828.254.6345 x 4037.