- MICHAEL ROBINSON
'Solidarity' by Wazari Johnson.Michael Robinson, Gleaner Writer
"LIFE CONSISTS of opposing forces and though different they can fuse together to create balance." The words of Wazari Johnson seem to echo softly throughout the roomful of ceramic pieces. Brightly coloured tea sets and plates emblazoned with West African Adinkra symbols are perched quietly on pedestals as visitors to Revolution Gallery buzz about excitedly.
Wazari's first solo exhibit, 'Fire Works', is by no means his introduction to the art-loving community. His final year show at the Edna Manley College (EMC) and participation in assorted group exhibitions since then seem to have created a small following. No wonder, his use of vibrant colours and high contrast makes for a visually stimulating display.
Closer inspection reveals a dichotomy of character in the content of the work. When asked about it, the soft-spoken artist admitted to a penchant for high contrast, but says that the duality theme was more of an unconscious manifestation. Interesting, since the theme is the most prominent feature in almost all the pieces.
'Dynamic Union', the show's centrepiece, features a two-faced figure reminiscent of the Roman god Janus. Wazari departs from Roman mythology at this point, however. Where Janus was depicted as a male with two faces simultaneously looking into past and future, 'Dynamic Union' features man and woman, the unity of existence.
The piece has a towering presence by virtue of its size and shape alone. It becomes more interesting the longer you look at it, even more so as you start to circle it. It seems to be looking into the twin sides of human nature. Balance, harmony and a top-secret glazing technique all in one package.
Glowing references seemed to be all Phillip Supersad had for his former student. The veteran potter's opening speech was filled with the highest praises for the man of the hour. "It is, for me," said the veteran potter, "a great honour to be sitting at the feet of this little giant." It was clear the teacher-student relationship had long since evolved into a mutual admiration society.
Supersad's respect for Johnson seemed to have crystallised around the time Wazari turned up for his final year oral exam in a tie. The confident way in which Wazari handled himself impressed the panel as much as his knowledge and sense of direction. It seemed the soft spoken boy had become a man.
In his third year at EMC, Johnson decided to change his major from sculpture to cera-mics. As a result, he had to accomplish in one year what most students take four years to accomplish. Along the way, he earned the respect of his tutors and has continued growing artistically ever since.
This solo exhibit may be more like the grand opening long after the store's real opening, since the young artist already has his own clientele. However, Wazari Johnson already has his sights set on bigger things. "I want to do a commercial line," says he, outlining a few ideas for post-modern functional items, "and I want to start selling the work online." Excellent ideas for today's global market. But then, after what he's already accomplished, those things should be a piece of cake.
