We Are Made of StarDust

In his works, Aaron Johnson blends contrasting techniques, combining the fluidity of color field painting with the energetic spontaneity of action painting. By working directly on a wet canvas with watered-down acrylics, Johnson allows the medium to flow dynamically. This process embodies a call-and response technique, where brushstrokes and pours dictate his reactive movements, fostering a dialogue between artist and canvas.

Each piece begins with color concepts and evolves organically, inviting figures to emerge within abstract color realms. Johnson seeks visions and figures to manifest spontaneously on the canvas, crafting works that epitomize the fusion of artistic expression with cosmic exploration.

We Are Made of StarDust at La Térmica in Malaga presents a captivating collection of 16 paintings created between 2020 and 2023. This exhibition invites viewers on a cosmic journey, delving into the profound interconnectedness that binds all living beings and celebrates our intrinsic harmony with nature and the universe.

Aaron Johnson’s collection presents a duality of expression. On one side, he delves into the enigmatic depths of the cosmos, crafting dark, deep-space compositions. These paintings employ a stark contrast between darkness and light to intensify the figures, drawing viewers into a mesmerizing interplay of shadow and illumination.

Conversely, Johnson’s vibrant, sun-soaked canvases exude an ecstatic joy, radiating luminosity and a profound sense of light. These pieces encapsulate a celebration of vitality, capturing the essence of boundless energy and the interconnectedness of existence. The title, We Are Made of StarDust, pays homage to astronomer Carl Sagan’s iconic words: “We’re made of star stuff.» This sentiment echoes the profound truth expressed by planetary scientist Dr. Ashley King: the elements within our bodies were forged within celestial stars and released into the cosmos through the grandeur of supernovas.

Beyond its poetic essence, the title encapsulates a scientific reality: our DNA is woven from stardust, a remarkable fusion of cosmic matter. This exhibition invites reflection on our cosmic connection, reminding us that despite our brief existence on Earth, we are an essential part of the cosmos. We are the stars, and the stars are us.

We Are Made of StarDust by Aaron Johnson prompts contemplation of our cosmic origins, inviting us to embrace the wondrous truth that we are an inseparable part of the boundless universe, entwined in the celestial dance of existence.

— Milena Oldfield