Modern Monument: Solo Project of new and critical works by Kara Cobb Johnson

Activism ripples through art.  Historians dedicate entire lifetimes into what future generations observe as castles made of sand.  Deciding to create work of free expression by using light and spaces within spaces, these new and critical works explore protection.   Taking the role of a living breathing Modern Monument, Kara Cobb Johnson physically peels steel wire fencing to unfolded lengths.  She then peels and sticks hand cut transparent color vinyl diamonds along with reflective adhesive tape creating material language from industrial signage and boundary markers: the stuff that keeps people on the road, visible and informed-equally.  Saturated abstracted shadows of colorpools evoke a rumination with repetitive shapes.  She states, “…I am interested in how the works are activated by people walking through and past them, discovering new shadows and light of their own choosing.  I cannot help but wonder if these works can somehow help shine, diffuse and reflect the light of now in the eyes of all viewers independently.  If the work can do that, then it has been successful.”  Kara’s work bellwether is currently on view on The Beverly Arts Center Simmerling Gallery floor until early December.  For more about Kara you can visit her website at www.karacobbjohnson.com.  This is her second solo project at Space 900 Evanston this year.