February 17 - March 16, 2024
From Deborah Colton Gallery:
“Deborah Colton Gallery will be presenting Daniel Johnston: I am a Baby in My Universe at their main gallery space of 2445 North Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77098. The exhibition runs from February 17 to March 16, 2024. To start the celebration of the gallery’s 20th year as an exhibition space in Houston, there will be a grand opening reception on Saturday, February 17th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, including the band “Kathy McCarty and Speeding Motorcycle”. Kathy and many members of the band were friends and fellow musicians with Daniel Johnston, known to have played with him in the past. Daniel Johnston’s sister, Marjory Johnston, will also be in attendance. Special T-shirts, posters, CD’s, and books will be available. This is an exceptional exhibition of Daniel’s work, in that it reveals all the characters that he repeatedly created in his drawings. Never has there been a comprehensive exhibition like this!
On Saturday, February 24th from 2:00 pm, there will be a Panel Discussion with Marjory Johnston, Joachim West, and Avalon Stephens. The history of Daniel Johnston’s artistic career, and the meaning of his work will be highlighted. Joachim West is a collector and fan of Daniel Johnston. Avalon Stephens is an interdisciplinary artist that will give a young perspective of why Daniel Johnston’s works resonate with all generations. Deborah Colton will be the moderator. Following this, the opening of Daniel Johnston: Duck Wars at the Deborah Colton Gallery Annex on the same campus. The Open House at the Annex will be from 3:00 to 4:30 pm. Special T-shirts designed for this exhibition will also be available.
Daniel Johnston, at a very young age, decided that he wanted to be a comic book artist like Jack Kirby, whose work he admired. He drew constantly, which often caused his teachers to reprimand him for not paying attention. By the time he reached Junior High, his drawing skills were quite advanced… but during those years mental illness appeared in the form of depression.
While he still dreamed of becoming a cartoonist for Marvel Comics, his drawing time became something more. It was a form of self-therapy to help him cope with his depression. It was an escape. In his early twenties, his mental illness blossomed into schizophrenia. In spite of this, he continued his daily drawing, producing pieces that give the viewer a glimpse into his journey with mental illness. He created an entire universe of his own, complete with a cast of characters caught up in the eternal battle of good and evil. Some characters were original creations. Others were borrowed from pop culture.
This art exhibit, “I am a Baby in my Universe,” is an introduction to the major characters (and some of the minor ones) that inhabit his imagined world. It will display nearly 200 works of art in groupings that will introduce 45 characters showing examples of art pieces in which they are featured. Daniel’s drawings have an undeniable appeal, saturated in a childlike wisdom that has won him fans and followers around the world. The show will also feature a screening room playing the documentary “The Devil and Daniel Johnston” as well as a display about the effects of mental illness in Dan’s art.”
Reception: February 17, 2024 | 6:30–8:30 pm
Panel: February 24, 2024 | 2–3 pm
Deborah Colton Gallery (North Boulevard)
2445 North Boulevard
Houston, 77098 TX
(713) 869-5151
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