With their flat forms, vibrating patterns, and explosions of color, Romano (“Mano”) Johnson’s large-scale works fill the room with energy and power. The imagery in his paintings for Gospel Love Heart features cultural figures, angels, racing cars, and spaceships, all brilliantly colored and spangled with glitter. Johnson creates his exuberant paintings, drawings, and wearable pieces to offer viewers, in his words, an opportunity to “recognize the love, peace, and power put on this Earth.”
Self-taught artist Romano Johnson was born and raised on the north side of Chicago, and now lives and works in Madison. He started a small business centered on his original paintings and products in 2011. Johnson always arrives at exhibitions and receptions in brightly painted clothing and loves to hold court with his fans and collectors.
Wisconsin Academy Offices
1922 University Avenue
Madison, Wisconsin 53726
Phone: 608.733.6633
James Watrous Gallery
3rd Floor, Overture Center for the Arts
201 State Street
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: 608.733.6633 x25
