Despite sub-freezing temperatures, the opening of Elliot Johnson’s first solo exhibition was a success. Maybe because of the cold! People came out bundled up and determined, gathering at Gallery Particulier to celebrate a moment that had been a long time coming.
As guests arrived, each was welcomed with a cup of hot cider in hand, along with warm quiches and other bites—a simple but heartfelt way to take the edge off the cold and invite people to enjoy themselves and meet the others.
Elliot’s work held the walls with its unique power: drawings that are beautiful, show outstanding skills and express strong emotions. You could sense how much time, care, and devotion had gone into each piece. The work invited people to slow down, look closely, and get immersed in Elliot’s dreamy world.
There was a lot of emotion in the space that evening. Love, friendship, respect: it was all there. People hugged, lingered, and talked openly, not just about the art, but about life, creativity, and what it means to keep going. Elliot has suffered all his life from mental illness, and he has overcome many hurdles to develop his outstanding artistic practice.
The crowd reflected the city itself: filmmakers, musicians, composers, art critics, and many people working in different ways to make New York a more caring, humane city.
What made the night especially meaningful was the sense of shared support for Elliot, for his work, and for the hard, long work behind it. This may have been his first solo show, it was also a recognition of years of dedication finally getting its moment.
We were grateful that art still has the power to bring joy to people despite the cold, and despite the state violence we have been witnessing recently
Thanks to all who came and made the night so special.
