J. Seward Johnson Jr. - Best Seller

Phoenix

J. Seward Johnson Jr. - Best Seller

1850 N Central Ave, Phoenix

One of the truths about art is that art is not passive.  There is an active job for the viewer to participate in: observing, interpreting, comparing.  But then one runs into J. Seward Johnson Jr.’s Best Seller, a subject that is completely passive.  A man who has set out to read a book outdoors appears to have quickly fallen asleep, the book still open, but he is no further along in his reading.  I find the juxtaposition hilarious.  But the sculpture is very much worth our effort.  How the Adirondack chair allows the man to be lying back as though in bed with his hat acting as a canopy.  His watch, reminding the viewer that this man is unaware of the passing of time.  Yet, he is involved in basic care for his body by giving it a rest.  These elements come together to provide a fun experience in engaging with Johnson’s lazy world.

Johnson is known for his very realistic sculptures of people doing everyday things.  They can be shocking because they look so real that it almost feels like we are infringing on the space of a fellow human being, breaking one of our basic social rules of personal space, as we stare at one of his pieces.  But this uncomfortableness, even the hesitancy as we ask again and again, “Is it a real person or a sculpture?” is part of what makes Johnson’s work so enthralling.

Located at Central Arts Plaza, Best Seller is one of seven pieces you can find in this wonderful downtown treasure.  The grounds are very inviting and the series of fountains is one of the largest water displays in the city.  Plan on taking some time to enjoy the entire experience of wonderful art in a beautiful setting.

One of the pieces you will be able to view at Central Arts Plaza is J. Seward Johnson Jr’s Nice To See You, which you can read about at Greater Phoenix Public Art.

Here is an image of a piece of Johnson’s that used to be on display at Central Arts Plaza.  It is titled Catching Up and you will see a lot of similarities when you compare it to Best Seller and Nice To See You.

Last verified 10/2020.