212 Arts is pleased to present a solo exhibition of Damon Johnson’s work entitled “Sneakerhead”. His new series seeks to explore the sneaker culture of the 80’s and 90’s as well as the paraphernalia that came with coming of age during that time. Johnson’s last solo exhibit focused on New York food staples as the epitome of his memories growing up. This series maintains these feelings of personal history and expounds on them from the perspective of how you view yourself and are similarly viewed by others. Johnson muses, “Growing up in New York you simply had to look fresh and clean. Whatever brand you rocked on your feet they needed to look right. Sneakers have always been an integral part of culture especially hip hop’s. You can tell a lot about a person by what’s on there feet, whether it be Jordan’s to a pair of black chucks.”

Johnson’s hyper realistic style and attention to detail seek to transcend the iconic nature of the shoes he depicts by paying homage to the meticulous craftsmanship and design behind them. The comic book backgrounds of his work are another nod to his New York upbringing, all originating from the St Marks comic book shop. From Jordan 5’s to Reebok pumps and Memorex cassettes to Street Fighter this exhibit is abound with nostalgic elements sure to connect with your childhood.

Damon has been commissioned by the likes of Webster Hall, Design Within Reach, The Surf Lodge in Montauk, and the U.S. OPEN in Queens. His creativity in and out of the gallery has earned him accolades in such publications as Forbes Magazine, Gotham Magazine, Radar, Zink, SOS, Hampton’s Magazine, The City Review, The Daily News, The New York Post, The New York Observer and The New York Times.