Nicolette Johnson is a ceramic artist whose work explores symmetry, botanical motifs, and the importance of the artefact.

Nicolette was born in London, England in 1990, grew up in Texas, USA, and today is based in Brisbane, Australia. Working in stoneware and employing wheel-throwing, coiling, and sculpting techniques, Nicolette applies a modern aesthetic to re-imagined ancient forms. Her work is included in the permanent collections of The National Gallery of Victoria and the Museum of Brisbane.

With a background in photographic art and social documentary, Nicolette began studying ceramics in 2015 and is continuing her practice-led exploration into functional and sculptural ceramic vessels, hand-making and firing each of her works in her Brisbane home studio.

Nicolette is represented by Jan Murphy Gallery in Brisbane and Sophie Gannon Gallery in Melbourne.

Curriculum Vitae

Nicolette Johnson
Born 1990, United Kingdom
Arrived in Australia 2005

Education
Griffith University, Queensland College of Art, Bachelor of Photography (Photojournalism), 2008-
2010
Griffith University, Queensland College of Art, Bachelor of Photography (Honours), 2011

Solo Exhibitions
2020
Upcoming November 4 – Sophie Gannon Gallery, Melbourne, Australia
2018
October – Blume, Paper Boat Press Gallery, Brisbane, Australia

Selected Group Exhibitions
2020
June 23 – July 11 – New Works, Sophie Gannon Gallery, Melbourne, Australia
2019
Sept 13 – Dec 21 – The Churchie National Emerging Art Prize, Institute of Modern Art, Brisbane, Australia
Jul 27-Oct 20 – An Idea Needing to be Made, Heide MoMA, Melbourne, Australia
May 10-Aug 11 – Brisbane Art Design, Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane, Australia
May – Manifest, PW1, Australian Ceramics Triennale, Hobart, Australia
March – Material Thought, Modern Times, Melbourne, Australia
March – Designwork #3, Sophie Gannon Gallery, Melbourne, Australia
2018
October – Ceramics 2, Maunsell Wickes Gallery, Sydney, Australia
Sept ’18 – March ’19 – Designing Women, NGV International Level 3, Contemporary Art &
Design
September – Unleashed, Artisan, Brisbane, Australia
July – Relics Today, Modern Times Gallery, Melbourne, Australia
April – Vase & Vessel: And Ode to Morandi, Saint Cloche Gallery, Sydney, Australia
March – Artefacts, Space at Collins Gallery, Melbourne, Australia
2017
April – Emerge, Paper Boat Press, Brisbane, Australia
March – On Paper, Of Clay, Saint Cloche Gallery, Sydney, Australia

Prizes and Awards
2019
The Design Files Design Awards (Winner—Handcrafted Category)
The Churchie National Emerging Art Prize (Finalist)
Little Things Art Prize (Finalist)

Public Collections:
2018
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane, Australia

Commissions, Collaborations, and Events:
2020
Upcoming – Barry Willoughby Bequest, Powerhouse Museum
2019
‘Maison IV’ Exhibition at Spazio Rossana Orlandi, Milan Design Week
2018
Institute of Modern Art Fourth Annual Gala Auction
Vessels for the W Hotel, Brisbane
2017
The Design Files Open House
IMA Gallery Shop After Hours
Limited Edition of 200 vessels for Jardan Sydney Flagship Store