Alison Johnston

Alison Johnston studied at Edinburgh College of Art and following graduation, her career developed in animation, including for Oscar-nominated “Aardman Animations”. Her background in animation established her interest in the way knowledge and anticipation are key factors in preparation for establishing a thought process to enrich the animated sequence. Anticipation and the power of expectancy also enhances memory and affects the experience of a place. Exploring how context and the sensory memory build up a personal intelligence she acknowledges places and experiences stay with us, even without their physical presence. We project our memories, knowledge and mood and create expectations. We exist between past and future, acknowledging the passing of time by both external environmental changes and also internal sensory thought. Memories are often distorted and fragmented, and Alison displays this in her work as isolated segments, viewed in compartments, or layered in colour. Her use of colour stimulates sensory memory, and the viewer is invited to connect their collective memories, coupling inner and outer perceptions in a relationship, challenging the viewer to reassess and nurture a sense of belonging and personal identity. Alison works in painting, printmaking, bookmaking and illustration.