The MAC Features Post No Ills with Lance Johnson
Starting on Monday, January 17, the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center opens an exciting new exhibition titled Post No Ills, featuring new work from Columbus artist Lance Johnson.
Post No Ills is a multi-disciplinary celebration of urban art placed in a suburban setting.
Johnson is an aerosol artist originally from New York City whose work is a vehicle for urban development, using improvised collage to tell stories in a celebration of urban life. The phrase “Post No Bills” is commonly seen on construction walls and other public areas in New York City, denoting the prohibition of advertisements or signage in a given area. In a turn of phrase, Post No Ills seeks to explore and celebrate urban life and art, inspired by graffiti, spoken word and the unifying message of art for all.
“I was always drawn to the phrase ‘Post No Bills’ and the abstract collage of torn posters, urban scrawls and weathered decay,” said Johnson in his artist statement. “These walls served as the beginning of an idea I would begin to develop: POST NO ILLS. POST NO ILLS is a declaration to celebrate and center inspiration. Using our platform as creatives to inspire the world with our unique perspectives. Using our music, dance, fashions and visual art to celebrate the beauty, diversity and vibrance of the urban environment. POST NO ILLS is a declaration of the power of WE THE PEOPLE.”
The exhibition officially opens in the MAC galleries on Monday, Jan. 17, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and runs through March 12. The opening week will feature a number of different free community arts experiences on stage, in the gallery and in classrooms at the MAC. Visitors will enjoy live painting events, music and dance performances, spoken word and poetry slams, as well as workshops and conversations to build new connections within the community.
The opening party takes place on Thursday, Jan. 20 and is free to attend. At 6 p.m. Johnson will speak in the main gallery, followed by a 7 p.m. performance in the Bronwynn Theatre from the Mark Lomax Trio paired with spoken word from Columbus poet Scott Woods and live painting from Johnson.
More programming related to the exhibition will continue at the MAC throughout January, February, and March. A few highlights include:
The week of Jan. 17-21, Columbus artist Bryan Moss will be creating in the MAC’s painting and drawing room. Guests are welcome to stop by and watch him work.
Saturday, Feb. 12 is Family Day, in which families are invited to explore the MAC’s galleries, classrooms, and stage.
Thursday, Feb. 18: a film screening in partnership with the Columbus Black International Film Festival and local storytelling Donte Woods-Spikes.
Monday, Feb. 21, the Mark Lomax Trio is set to return in a ticketed concert followed by a Q&A with the audience.
Saturday, March 12: a completely improvised performance of music, dance, visual arts, and video arts featuring musician Phil Maneri, live painting by Lance Johnson, and dancers.