ARTIST BIO.
Photo by Billy TownsColumbia, South Carolina artist Christopher kolpeace Johnson, born in 1994, is a dynamic force in the contemporary art scene, deeply committed to exploring and celebrating his Black Southern heritage. His work delves into the complexities of identity, culture, and memory through a series of vibrant and liberating portraits that distinctly embody his personal narrative and community experience. Whether working in his studio or performing live, Johnson approaches his art with an urgency and passion that reflect the intense realities he faced growing up in the rural landscapes of South Carolina.After earning his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in community arts , kolpeace has cultivated a unique artistic voice that combines traditional Southern themes with contemporary & graffiti styles. His creative process is informed by the rich tapestry of his upbringing—a confluence of joy, struggle, and resilience—that shapes his artistic lens through painting & experimentation. The moniker "kolpeace," which stands for "Kids Only Love Peace," encapsulates his philosophy and mission: to promote empowerment and liberation through creativity. This ethos is steeped in Black folklore, drawing from a history that fuels his passion for social justice and cultural enrichment.Through his art, Johnson taps into the rhythmic and expressive genres of Black cultural life, including trill, trap, and soul music, using them as a backdrop to challenge cultural prejudices and inspire collective healing. With a diverse array of artistic tools—ranging from traditional paintbrushes to unconventional materials—he produces innovative works that not only captivate viewers but also serve as a mirror for the community, reflecting their struggles and triumphs. His prolific output aims to engage audiences on both an emotional and intellectual level, fostering connection and dialogue around the themes of identity, heritage, and liberation. In essence, Johnson's art is more than just a visual experience; it’s a powerful act of reclamation and an invitation for humanity to embrace love and understanding.artist statement.
As I've looked at what I've created over time I recognized there are layers of life that source developing stories to learn lessons from in order to improve the betterment of humanity. By championing the needs of the people I journeyed through that self development by placing myself into personal exploration of my southern roots.
As I dig, I find myself creating portraits of personal influential family, friends, and community people through shared moments of hospitality and music. When creating from a social and emotional development space it's apparent to engage with the subject by asking personal questions about love, life , and loss. I believe paint of many mediums is the strings of an instrument tapping into my black ancestral plane. The unique tools used outside of a studio setting sets the tone of what I believe liberates my audience into an afro futuristic perspective by setting the stage wherever I perform using folklife music growing up in the south.
My visual performative and studio paintings give off an engaging aspect that are reflective of past characterics of my ancestors to connect with viewers to think about the safe intentionality of color. The imagery offers a contemporary graffiti homage of my culture connecting and engaging in community. The struggle with this is access to spaces with value of engagement in my work as it's used to create life and safety towards an afterlife existence of my blackness.
As I begin my research on color theory and my on-going thesis of a libertorial critique of arts effect on the brain when triggered by sound mixed with color , oppressed and/or liberating historic figures or events it creates a connection to the artist. This is implemented into my practice with creating on recycled wood surfaces and paint mediums such as oil , heavy body acrylic , spray paint , pastel and fire.