Richard Johnson

For Toronto photographer Richard Johnson, large format digital photography is his way of documenting the structures that shape our cultures and communities, and preserving these places in a rapidly shifting world.

Richard’s keen eye for the composed architectural image stems from his initial career as an Interior Designer, followed by 25 years as one of Canada’s preeminent architectural photographers. He was also profoundly influenced by mid-century German masters Bernd and Hilla Becher and their systematic documentation of Germany’s industrial landscape including water towers, grain silos and gas tanks.

ARTIST STATEMENT: ICE HUTS

I have always been fascinated with small structures. My earliest recollection of shelter was as a 6 year old growing up in Trinidad. It was a guard house for our neighbour. No more than three walls and a lean to roof, it was a simple solution to shade the harsh sun and protect from tropical rains. These shelters, built by individuals with available materials, inspired me to take notice.

I moved to Montreal in the sixties and built snow forts and backyard igloos. Back then the snow was so deep that school cancellations were a normal occurrence. Come summertime, I rallied with friends and ham...

Algonquin College, Ottawa, 1977 – 1979 - Interior Design
Carleton University, Ottawa, 1975 – 1977 - Engineering

2018 - GTAA, Toronto Pearson Airport, Terminal 3, WestJet Tunnel Murals Ice Huts and Ice Villages 6 Panels 6' h x 46' wide

2018 - Cabin Fever Group Show, Vancouver Art Gallery

2017 - Emily Harding Gallery, Toronto, Ice Huts & Ice Villages - Solo show

2017 - White Wall North Gallery, Toronto, Ice Huts - Solo show

2015 – 2016 – Richard Johnson Gallery, Toronto, Ice Huts & Ice Villages Permanent

2014 – Guest Speaker Ice Huts Laurentian Architecture School

2014 – Bulthaup Gallery, Toronto, Ice Villages Solo show

2013 – Richard Johnson Gallery, Toronto, Portals of Passion, Solo show

2012 – Richard Johnson Gallery, Toronto, Ice Huts Storm, Solo show

2011 – Agnes Jamieson Gallery, Minden, Ice Huts & Ice Villages show

2010 – Lester B Pearson Lobby, Ottawa, FACC Collection, Ice Huts Solo show

2010 – Toronto Image Works Gallery, Toronto, Ice Villages Solo show

2009 – Toronto Image Works Gallery, Toronto, Ice Huts Solo show

2009 – Rotunda Gallery, City Hall, Kitchener, Ice Huts Solo show

2009 – GTAA Terminal One, Toronto, Folk Architecture – Ice Huts Solo show

2008 – GTAA Terminal One, Toronto, Ice Huts - Coming Home group show

2008 – Contact Festival group show of juried winners, Toronto, Ice H...