| Our spring exhibition by Julie Johnstone really is something to be glimpsed.
In a different light, an exhibition of works by Julie Johnstone and her Essence Press explores perception, both visual and linguistic. Eight vinyl texts have been teasingly placed on walls throughout the Library interior, and are often only visible in certain lights or from certain angles. An artwork might be glimpsed out of the corner of the viewer's eye – or, as one piece speaks of itself ‘glimpsed in passing'.
These works are complemented by delicate screenprints of short text pieces, and a selection of handbound books, cards and badges. The works explore the beauty of the ephemeral, with gentle and contemplative simplicity. Language distilled to its essence; perception given breath on paper.
Julie Johnstone says: ‘The Scottish Poetry Library premises are a joy to work with – there are lots of delightful angles and spaces, and the light can be very beautiful, changing throughout the day. Much of the work has a playfulness about it, but it is grounded in a serious inquiry into the way we perceive our immediate environment - and the present moment - and in how we can use language to capture this experience. It's about ambiguity, impermanence, and the way we glimpse the fleeting. It has been interesting to work in a range of scales, whether it's the ‘space' of a large wall or that of a tiny badge.'
Her work has featured in several exhibitions, most recently in Word Order at Peacock Visual Arts (Aberdeen) and The Changing Room (Stirling), and at the Stanza poetry festival. She regularly exhibits at artists' book fairs and small press fairs. She is the creator of Essence Press, and the editor of island.
Julie Johnstone's prints are like yoga in a frame. They, like her magazines and artist's books, are made with an almost unbearable lightness of touch.
Sunday Herald (September 2006)
'Julie Johnstone's incredibly sensitive pieces using grey text against white ground exemplify the gentle, contemplative nature of the genre.'
Scotland on Sunday (October 2006)
In a different light
Scottish Poetry Library, 5 Crichton's Close Edinburgh
Saturday 19 April – Saturday 19 July 2008
Mon-Fri 11-6 pm, Sat 1-5 pm
Admission free.
Works available for purchase from £1.
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