Mnemonic Pulse

Jess Johnson and Simon Ward 

Mnemonic Pulse was a video collaboration between Jess Johnson and Simon Ward with soundtrack by Andrew Clarke in the Studio 12 project space.

Jess Johnson’s drawing and installation practice is inspired by science fiction, cosmology and shifting notions of reality. In her drawings she depicts complex worlds that combine densely layered patterns, objects and figures within architectural settings. Her drawings are often displayed within constructed environments that act as physical portals into her speculative worlds.

Simon Ward is a video artist from New Zealand, who had recently relocated to Melbourne. With a focus on the fantastical, he has created close to 40 videos for some of New Zealand’s premiere independent musical acts.

Jess Johnson was born in 1979 in Tauranga, New Zealand. She currently lives in Melbourne.

Recent activities include founding Hell Gallery, which ran from her home during 2008 – 2011. In 2010 Hell Gallery was invited to London to participate in No Soul For Sale – A Festival of Independents at the Tate Modern. 

Her artwork has been exhibited at public art institutions including the Museum of Contemporary Art (NSW), The National Gallery of Victoria (VIC), Ian Potter Museum of Art (VIC), Gertrude Contemporary Art Spaces, (VIC), Artspace (NZ), and Tate Modern (UK). She has also exhibited at various artist run and commercial spaces including Death Be Kind, Utopian Slumps, The Narrows (MEL) Ryan Renshaw Gallery (QLD), Peleton, Darren Knight (SYD), Inflight (TAS).

Jess Johnson is represented Darren Knight Gallery, Sydney; Utopian Slumps, Melbourne; Ivan Anthony, New Zealand