Johnny Darko

​Since 2005, British artist, Johnny Darko, has been creating one of a kind pieces with gold, copper and silver leaf, reminiscent of an old worn Chateau panel one might see throughout Europe”.
It was whilst living in Australia that Darko discovered and developed the technique, as he calls it, 'the application of acids over gold, copper and silver leaf '​.
​"Working with such a fragile medium as gold leaf is such a remarkable process. Gilding in itself is an extremely beautiful craft, however, bringing in various acids and using such a harsh contrast as a medium always fascinates me as an artist.
​I like to refer to my technique as "Reversed Alchemy". As opposed to taking a raw material as ancient Alchemist's would, such as iron and then try to transmute this element into Gold, I begin with a precious metal, and begin to take it down to something much more base.
The fragility of the leaf instantly changes once the acids are applied and new colours, tones and patterns evolve. And it is through this alchemical mix that something new and much rawer is born before me".
If the art of “Alchemy” is to take the seemingly ordinary and transform it into something quite extraordinary, then, artist Johnny Darko is indeed the “alchemist...

http://thearthunter.com/the-contemporary-alchemy-of-johnny-darko/

EXHIBITIONS:
September 2016
art3F international contemporary art fair Brussels

October 2015
Alice in Wonderland Exhibition, Maison des Metiers d’art, Pezenas, France – Joint show

July 2015
Heaven and Hell Exhibition, Maison des Metiers d’art, Pezenas, France - Joint show

December 2014
Salon Ob’Art Exhibition, Montpellier, France - Joint show

June 2014
Immortality Exhibition, Mt. Barker Arts Centre, South Australia - Joint show

May 2012
I am King of Salt and Stone: The Alchemical Manuscripts, Greenhill Galleries, South Australia - Solo exhibition

March 2012
David Sumner Gallery, South Australia - Joint show

June 2011
Prima Materia, Barossa Living Gallery, South Australia - Solo exhibition

May 2011
25th Anniversary Exhibition, Aptos Cruz Galleries, South Australia - Joint international show

November 2009
Stirling Fine Arts, South Australia - Joint exhibition

October 2009
Alchemy, Q gallery, South Australia - Solo exhibition

June 2008
Norlunga Arts Centre, South Australia - Joint exhibition

February 2008
Glancing Back and Forth, Bird in Hand Winery, South Australia - Private showing

November 2007
Bird in Hand Winery, South Australia - Solo exhibition

2006
Tar...