Ray Johnson

Opening reception Tuesday October 7, 6-8pm.

Karma is pleased to present an exhibition of previously unseen work by Ray Johnson (1927–1995).

American popular culture and the environment of the “art world,” combined with a sly use of puns, codes, inside jokes and signature wit mixed with piercing perceptiveness, comprise the frame for much of Johnson’s work. Using his own brand of semantic structure, Johnson creates complex and multi-layered portraits—of himself and of other subjects.

A comprehensive publication will be released in conjunction with the exhibition, which includes 296 color illustrations of collages, drawings, interventions and other ephemera. More information on this publication is available here.

This exhibition is presented in cooperation with the Ray Johnson Estate, Richard L. Feigen & Co., and Jay Gorney.