Phoenix
J. Seward Johnson Jr. - Nice To See You
1850 N Central Ave, Phoenix
I know art should not normally scare you, but Nice To See You, by J. Seward Johnson Jr., does just that. Johnson is known for his hyper-realistic sculptures, and Nice To See You, depicting a working window washer, is as realistic as it gets. With the size and the amazing paint work, I have to check multiple times to make sure the statue is not breathing. Children may be a little frightened by this piece, but it can certainly educate them on how realistic art can be.
Part of the Central Arts Plaza, Nice To See You is one of seven pieces on display in this oasis in downtown Phoenix. The grounds are beautiful with large patches of grass and fountains. The Plaza is open to the public, but it is private property and an entrance to a business building, so I would not treat the grass like a park out of respect for the business going on. However, there are plenty of benches to sit on while you enjoy the art and landscaping.
Johnson, a grandson of Robert Wood Johnson, of Johnson & Johnson fame, uses the technique called trompe l’oeil, French for “deceive the eye.” The goal is to make the viewer believe they are looking at the real thing, not a piece of representative art. Critics were mixed on the results of his work, but Central Arts Plaza allows us to make up our own mind. Johnson passed away in 2020, at the age of 89.
Here is an image of Johnson’s 25-foot tall Unconditional Surrender located at the Port of San Diego.
Comments
Post a Comment