Ervin A. Johnson

Native Chicagoan Ervin A. Johnson is a graduate of the University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign, Columbia College Chicago and earned his MFA in photography at Savannah College of Art and Design. He completed a residency at Columbia College and the Center of Photography at Woodstock, and is a 2016 and 2020 Critical Mass Finalist. His work was featured in an exhibition at Detroit’s Wright Museum and was on view in the European Cultural Centre's exhibition Personal Structures during the Venice Biennale 2019. Johnson's work is held in public and private collections.

"Millennial Ervin A. Johnson utilizes photo-based mixed media to reimagine his cultural and racial identity. Variation #25 exemplifies beauty and resilience. It is a simple portrait yet complex in its ability to make us "feel." In her eyes, I see our history and a promise for our future. My vision is to see the beauty in the universal qualities of humanity represented by a black woman." - Arnika Dawkins

Arnika Dawkins Gallery is devoted to presenting fine art from both emerging and established photographers, specializing in images by African Americans and of African Americans. Dawkins is passionate about connecting collectors to artwork that is significant, inspiring and provocative. The gallery's objective is to provide an educational platform that supports this burgeoning community of talented artists.