Projects

The exhibition "First Gods, Lost Animals" imagines cave-like forms generated both by slow naturally occuring processes and by human stories, arguing that humans use symbols (myth, art, math, and now AI) to make the complexities of our modern world understandable. The suite of work suggests through the various suspended forms, a life-size triceratops skull sculpture, and graphic light boxs, that symbolic culture may not be uniquely human in origin.

Iván Argote’s "Dinosaur" is a monumental tribute to an often-overlooked city dweller—the pigeon. Standing 21 feet tall atop a concrete plinth, this hyper-realistic aluminum sculpture reimagines the idea of a monument, shifting attention from historical figures of power to an urban bird many view as a nuisance. With humor and reverence, "Dinosaur" instead elevates the pigeon into a symbol of resilience and coexistence. The title nods to both the bird’s prehistoric roots and the fleeting nature of human legacy, prompting reflection on what—and whom—we choose to honor in our public spaces.

Walker partnered with Creative Time and Johnson Atelier to produce her first-ever large-scale public project. Situated within the sprawling industrial relics of Brooklyn’s legendary Domino Sugar Factory, the installation—called "A Subtlety", or the "Marvelous Sugar Baby" is a sphinx-like woman composed of massive blocks coated in several tons of sugar.

“An Apology to Loneliness” by Tom Cleveland explores isolation through stark imagery and emotive color, prompting viewers to reflect on their own disconnection. With help from the Johnson Atelier, Cleveland transformed his wax sculptures into durable wooden forms, each made from a different hardwood species. These sculptures were then incorporated into his cityscape photography, enhancing the emotional depth of the work.

Hugh Hayden’s installation of "Huff and A Puff" address themes of protection, community, and housing inequality. His long-term piece, A Huff and a Puff, at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, inspired by The Three Little Pigs, features three structures made from wood, steel, and stone. Collaborating with The Johnson Atelier, Hayden meticulously recreated a cabin based on Thoreau's design at Walden Pond, tilted at 15 degrees. Constructed from local materials and custom bricks, the cabin was installed at the museum entrance in September 2023, inviting viewers to engage with social and environmental issues through a whimsical lens.

"Authors and Architects", by Sandy Williams IV, is a permanent memorial at Roanoke College honoring the lives and labor of 829 enslaved individuals who helped build and sustain the college. Composed of hundreds of bronze books cast from historical 19th-century texts and ledgers, the sculpture creates a space for reflection on the foundational role of these individuals in the institution’s history.

Hayden approached Johnson Atelier with the idea of fabricating a functional rowboat out of solid wood. Following the artist's specific and detailed instructions, JA milled and hand-carved the hull of the 14-foot vessel out of oak; the skeletal, rib-like details out of cedar. "Gulf Stream" was then transported and installed on-site along the coast of Brooklyn.

"We Here" is a community art project by Roberto Lugo in Kensington, Philadelphia, featuring three 11-foot interactive sculptures based on Lugo’s ceramic works. Developed with Mural Arts' Porch Light program, these vessels reflect local residents' lives, culture, and resilience. Serving as three-dimensional murals, they are inspired by Lugo’s roots and are accompanied by public programs like pottery workshops and children's book distributions. Launched in summer 2024, this initiative aims to uplift and celebrate the Kensington community.

"The Shape of Time: Korean Art after 1989" at the Philadelphia Museum of Art features 28 artists exploring South Korea's cultural transformation since 1989. One of the project highlights is Meekyoung Shin’s soap sculptures that dissolve over time, symbolizing the fragility of life and cultural evolution and which invites reflection on the impermanence of existence.

The "Pinchot Horse" by Rosamond Pinchot is a bronze statue celebrated for its dynamic portrayal of equine strength and elegance, commissioned by the Hanover Shoe Farms Foundation for the Harness Racing Museum in Goshen, New York as a memorial to horses that didn’t win races, honoring their often-overlooked contributions. The Johnson Atelier played a crucial role in the creation of this piece, working with the 90-year-old Pinchot, a longtime sculptor and member of the famed Pinchot family.

“Bold Arcs and Lines” by Patricia Udell is a striking art piece that explores the interplay between fragility and permanence. Through the use of concrete, Udell challenges traditional notions of materiality, creating a juxtaposition between the heavy, solid nature of concrete and the delicate forms it encases. The work invites viewers to consider the themes of preservation and transformation, as well as the tension between nature and the built environment. With its intricate details and thoughtful composition, “Bold Arcs and Lines” encourages audiences to reflect on the ephemeral quality of life and the enduring impact of memory within the context of our surroundings.

“Memorial Stairs” by Sandy Williams is a poignant installation that invites viewers to engage with themes of memory and loss. This immersive piece represents both physical and metaphorical journeys, reflecting the complexities of grief and the process of remembrance. Through its thoughtfully designed structure, “The Wax Monuments” encourages visitors to navigate their own histories, creating a space for reflection and emotional connection. Williams masterfully blends artistic expression with architectural elements, prompting audiences to honor the past while contemplating the resilience of the human spirit.