10 Questions with Danquis Johnson
Danquis Johnson is a music producer, experimental film artist, and actor from the greater Philadelphia area. Danquis earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting and graphic design from Rosemont College in 2014. Throughout his artist career, Danquis was encouraged to film and record himself stated by a few critics. This is where experimental film and sound came into his work. During this exploration, Danquis decided to pursue acting by gaining hand on experience doing student films and background work to learn about the film industry. He then sought out professional training and now continues to fuse all elements into his work.
Danquis Johnson - Portrait
ARTIST STATEMENT
Danquis’ work consists of a fusion of painting, film, nature, and sound. Danquis is most fascinated with the exploration of experimentation through both physical and digital media. What will noise sound like with the tools given? What will the paint allow me to create, and how will it flow? How am I viewed metaphysically outside of myself during my anecdotal happening?
Through the exploration of these unpredictable equations, he has to envision the metaphysics turning into the physical as he is separate from reality. This is where film and direction tie my work. Original studio practices such as drawing and painting feel like new forms of art while recording. The art itself is in control. My body sways the paint, fixes the structure of sound, and breaks it. Isochronous is the metaphysical and the physical. Currently, Danquis is exploring himself as the subject through acting performance via film. His goal is to marry the worlds of acting aligned with aesthetic paint through experimental film.
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INTERVIEW
When and how did you start getting involved with visual arts?
As a child, I was enamored with cartoons and colors. I would try to replicate or mimic cartoons with crayons and colored pencils.
What for you is the most enjoyable part of your art?
The most enjoyable part of my art is having a space to be free. I can express myself without any rules.
Let’s talk about your work. You mix painting, film, nature, and sound, as you mention in your statement. Can you explain your idea and how you are working on it?
First, I’m a painter at heart. I loved traditional painting and abstract expressionist painting as well. It depends on my mood. I’m more inclined to paint abstractly because I can be free, and I enjoy it. Film came into play when a critic/professor told me I come alive when I paint. He encouraged me to film myself. I grew up in nature, so I decided to record myself en plein air. I enjoy the sounds of nature as well and want to capture that when possible. I also enjoy producing and making beats. At first, I did it as a hobby, then decided to attempt to earn a living through royalties and figured I might as well fuse everything I’m doing together. My idea is to enjoy the process of art-making by allowing mistakes to happen. Nothing is perfect, and there are no rules.
Coral Reef, Acrylic on Canvas, 18x24 in, 2021 © Danquis Johnson
Where do you find inspiration for your work, and what is your creative process like?
I found inspiration in my work through cartoons, comics, and other abstract painters like Moe Brooker and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Why do you use this visual language? And how has it evolved over the years?
I use this form of visual language to express an unapologetic catharsis. Art-making is healing for me. If I can communicate that through my art to someone else, then I feel I can visually speak to my audience. They should be able to see what I am saying without words. If not, then I did not do my job as an artist. My art has evolved over the years by including nature and film. After filming myself, I decided to train as an actor to assist in my film work if I feel I need to perform.
What do you hope that the public takes away from your work?
I hope the public takes away that art can literally save lives. My recent work Coral Aurora is about climate change yet also about the cathartic healing power of the element of water.
Ancestral Ghosts, Acrylic on Canvas, 18x24 in, 2022 © Danquis Johnson
Vejigantes, Acrylic on canvas, 18x24 in, 2022 © Danquis Johnson
You have recently started experimenting with performance through video too. How is your approach different compared to painting? Performance work through video is a different process because of the technology. Sometimes I incorporate myself into the film, so I started taking professional acting classes. Also, the only element tangible in film and video would be props, other art forms created, and/or me as the subject matter. I’m more likely to dance if I am the subject matter because it is genetically instinctual. My mother is a dancer, and I took after her.
Is there anything else you would like to experiment with? Do you plan to release an NFT series or any other forms of digital art?
Yes. I’d love to experiment with sculpture, 3D painting, 3D animation, and 3D printing. It is ironic that you mention NFTs. I have already started the process of creating NFTs, and I’m excited about it!
What are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future in terms of new projects?
Right now, I am working on an album. The album is an instrumental album titled “Fortune Sphere” that should be out soon. As far as new projects, I enjoy producing music and creating my own album covers.
Finally, do you have any upcoming shows or collaborations you are looking forward to?
Yes! I recently collaborated with an amazing artist from China by the name of Sixue Yang. Together Sixue and I created a piece titled “Pollution Pulse” & “Pollution Pulse II” dedicated to climate change on my youtube channel @Danquisjohnson We are collaborating right now again with new visuals and sounds. We’re both super excited about it. Right now, Coral Aurora has been exhibited in a group exhibition at the Art Show International Gallery.
