Olivia Johnston

Statement

Olivia Johnston is a queer and chronically ill artist living in Ottawa, Canada. Her visual arts practice consists of two core facets: one being an exploration of chronic illness and trauma, the other being an exploration of sacredness and its role in contemporary life. She is interested in exploring questions about images, gender, the body, the self, beauty, illness, memory, and what it means to be human. Johnston’s practice includes lens-based imagery, site-specific installation, and sculpture; her work has been exhibited across Canada and internationally. Community work and collaboration play a significant role in her practice.

GlogauAIR Project

During my time at GlogauAIR, I intend to conduct research in museum collections of images and objects, particularly Early Modern Christian representations; to produce objects and images exploring the intersection of trauma, pain and the holy; and to use GlogauAIR’s resources to further explore multimedia technologies and additional approaches to representing the intersection of chronic illness and sacredness. I am also in discussions with the curators at Number 1 Main Road to develop an exhibition for their space; my residency at GlogauAIR will involve research and production for this exhibition.

CV Summary

EDUCATION

• B.A.Hons Art History, Carleton University, Canada

AWARDS & EXHIBITIONS & RESIDENCY

• 2023: Residency at Watershed Studios, Galway, Ireland, September.
• 2022: Das Eigene im Fremden, group exhibition, Museum Bensheim, Bensheim, Germany.
• 2021: Articles of Faith, group exhibition at the Mitchell Art Gallery, Edmonton, Canada.
• 2020: CBC Arts documentary.
• 2020, 2018: Shortlisted for the New Generation Photography Award (National Gallery of Canada).
• 2019: Saints and Madonnas, solo exhibition at the Carleton University Art Gallery, Ottawa, Canada.

Gallery