TEMPO | artist collective - video documentation

Video documentation of the works of the group show presented at TEMPO

TEMPO

My work "Out of Balance" will be shown at the event of

TEMPO | artist collective

Saturday, April 26, 2025 · starts at 17.00 h.

Impreint Space

601 Green Lanes (entrance via staircase on Beresford Rd), London, UK

International artist collective showcasing works by 70 artists from around the world. A video of all the artworks will be projected during the event and will remain available as a permanent online display.

 

ko-fi.com/johannesgerard

 I set up a page on ko-fi.com/johannesgerard. The site includes a gallery, a shop with some of my work, and a support/ donation page.

I would like to use my Ko-Fi page to generate some extra income for future art projects or artworks that require additional investment. This could be renting a studio for a video project, purchasing technical equipment, or paying assistants or models. Sometimes it also involves transport or travel costs. Anything helps, and it's always good to have an extra budget.

http://ko-fi.com/johannesgerard

Not Just about water. Wiro Mag: Aqua

Not Just about water. Wiro Mag: Aqua

My contribution to this publication includes two of my photographic works and some thoughts on the subject of water

Wiro Mag: Aqua brings together the work of thirty-one artists from around the world, underpinned by the theme of water.

“When it comes to elements that bring humans together, can any contend water? Everything we understand depends on this precious resource in some way. Hydration, food, hygiene, materials, transport, and enrichment would all collapse without it. Water is a hub for all aspects of life, and connot be understated. .The publication curates the work of creatives who evaluate and engage with water on a granular level. Highlighting their concerns, feelings, memories, aspirations, and more in relation to this huge topic.”

Lyndon Watkinson, editor and publisher

My various portfolios contain numerous works from different disciplines that are directly and indirectly related to water/aqua. For this project, however, I decided to approach the topic from a slightly different perspective. The first work, "Open/Close – Drought," deals metaphorically with water scarcity and drought. "Don't take it for granted." The second proposal, "Help me... Raindrops!", deals with the opposite through too much water. Raindrops... too much water. Secondly, a few harmless raindrops at the beginning can be a harbinger of catastrophic flooding or a devastating period of continuous rain.

"Wiro Mag:Aqua” is the sixth iteration of a publication series published and produced by SU4IP. (Sheffield, UK).

Wiro-bound/digitally printed/A5/72 pages

instagram: @lyndonwatkinson

https://su4ip.cargo.site/Wiro-Mag-Aqua

Retrospective Thoughts - Artist Talk at DESERTERS

 

On the opening day of DESERTERS, April 3, 2025, I delivered a live performance and artist talk titled "A State of Bared" at the Oriel y Bont Gallery on the South of Wales University at Treforest, Pontypridd Campus, Wales, to explore the key themes of DESERTS in terms of how a life changing sickness is a commonality that connects many artists' otherwise disparate practices across decades, genres and lifetimes*. Furthermore, I wanted to provide answers to what DESERTERS asks : "What is the relationship between illness and creation? 'Good health' has obvious merit—but what about the value of 'ill health'?" As I have had a personal career in the field of illness and disability alongside my artistic work, the two curators, Bella Kerr and Caroline Humphreys, asked if the artist talk and live performance could focus specifically on my art in relation to my personal mental health and hearing problems.

The artist talk, in particular, was mentally one of the most demanding I've ever given, so it was somewhat different from typical artist talks. Although it took a long time to prepare, throughout the process and even during the talk itself, I began to look at my art and the disciplines I work in with different eyes. To date, there isn't a single piece of my artwork that directly addresses or focuses on my personal disabilities and illnesses. For most of my life, I tried to hide my health issues, but it was only in the last two years that I became more open about my so-called "deficits." However, as I was selecting images of my work for the talk, I suddenly realized that many of my works metaphorically and covertly reflect my current health issues. These are related to my sometimes severe mental health issues, my hearing problems, and finally, a cancer diagnosis and treatment many years ago, from which I have since recovered.

I have also thought about how the audience would react to the performance, and especially to my talk, which was a revelation for me. However, I felt I had to speak honestly about my often dark and intense inner conflicts, my hallucinations, and the voices I hear; otherwise, the talk and performance would be pointless. But the reaction of the audience and the other exhibiting artists, each of whom had their own severe illness or disability, touched me very deeply in the end.

I, often hesitate to call myself an artist, nor do I feel a deep connection to the art world because I often maintain a distance from it. While I doubt that art can be therapy to save the world or society, or a panacea, it can be a means to overcome personal problems, avoid tunnel visions, and try to move on. In my case, it was and is also a medium for connecting with and coping with my social and everyday environment. However, I can only speak from my personal perspective, as every person and every health problem is different. Art, whether visual art, dance, theater, or music, can open a person's perspective. Important: You don't have to be an artist or feel compelled to create a masterpiece like Picasso or Michelangelo. Just do it, and it will open new horizons. Finally, based on my personal experience, I would like to offer only one piece of advice, especially regarding mental health issues and personal disorders: If you are suffering from them, seek help and therapy. Do not hesitate or wait.

https://www.deserters.co.uk/

Third edition of Photo|Frome - ‘inEquality’

 My b/w photography work “The Wall” on display at

Third edition of Photo|Frome - ‘inEquality’

05/04 – 27/04/2025, open daily 10:00 – 16:00 h

The festival takes place at various locations throughout the town of Frome. My photo is on display at the Station Gallery, Station Approach, Frome, BA11 1RE, UK

Photo|Frome returns with the theme ‘inEquality’. Through photography from internationally acclaimed, national and regional artists, we reflect on stories of global and local justice and equality. Much as we would all wish otherwise, in some ways inequality is actually getting worse across the globe, reflecting conflict and climate-impacted displacement. And, despite progress, political, economic, gender-based and health inequality persists. Photo|Frome is an independent festival of photography dedicated to showcasing and celebrating all levels of photographic endeavour from local, national, and international photographers.