Marley’s practice is made up of many methods, notably scavenging, sewing, dyeing, painting, and collaging. Each method brings a different pace, but all accumulate into an epic assemblage of parts. Works begin by scavenging for discarded fabrics and materials, dyeing canvas with natural and synthetic pigments, and relief printing on found surfaces. The whimsical compositions capture fleeting flashes of colours and vibrant textures, with the aim of creating compelling kinetic scenes. Marley reflects in these scenes on the displacement of found materials and their memories and histories, combining tactile methods and research as a way of bringing them back to life.
Marley Johnson is a Canada-based artist focused primarily on painting and material practice. He completed his MFA in Painting and Drawing at Concordia University in 2021, and has taught workshops across Canada, as well as teaching at the Ross Creek Centre for the Arts in Nova Scotia. Marley has participated in several residencies, and has shown work at notable venues including Maison de la culture Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, The Darling Foundry (Montréal), and Gallery 1313 (Toronto). Most recently he participated in the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity A.I.R in Spring 2024, creating new work for potential future exhibitions.
