Seward Johnson and His Bronze Friends

Realism and Creative Imagination in Contemporary American Sculpture

by Gérard Roubichou

You may have already experienced a Seward Johnson sculpture. You come upon a young woman, on a park bench, absorbed in her book. You might sit down beside her and comment on the weather. Out of the corner of your eye, you spot a young couple swept up in a kiss. You approach. Lightly you tap the amorous man’s shoulder. You excuse yourself as you bump into a fellow waiting for a bus. You are surprised to find that these folks are not folks at all. Johnson has stated repeatedly that he wants one to interact with his art.

It’s tough to review a book about something you really, really like. I have visited Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton, New Jersey, several times, and each visit revealed something new, gave even more pleasure, awakened anew my appreciation for Impressionist art and always, always made for a wonderful afternoon. Grounds For Sculpture is a sprawling, beautifully landscaped park filled with a large selection of the hyperreal artwork of Steward Johnson (and work by other sculptors) that amuse, surprise and offer one delight coming fast up on the next. It is a magic place. Everyday “people” standing by a tree or enjoying a glass of wine at a small table. And then there are the sculptures that are life-size, 3D versions of Impressionist and Post-impressionist paintings. Perhaps you know of Édouard Manet’s 1863 painting, Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe: Two nattily dressed gentlemen, one lady in déshabillé, one lady naked, enjoying an idyllic afternoon. There are also a few giant sized sculptures—a surprising version of Grant Wood’s American Gothic among them.

So, yes, it is tough to be objective. Roubichou’s book has a similar problem. The author befriended Seward Johnson (1930-2010), and he has nothing but good things to report. Also, the book is published through The Seward Johnson Atelier. Roubichou does quote some negative reviews of Johnson’s work, but quickly refutes these unfriendly opinions. This book includes a sketch of Johnson’s life, a history of Grounds For Sculpture, commentary on the various exhibitions of Johnson’s life, an interview with the artist, and the progression of Johnson’s sculptures from the “Celebrating the Ordinary” series, ordinary people doing ordinary activities, to his representations of famous paintings. We find that, although a serious artist, Johnson comes across as friendly, witty and someone you would be pleased to spend some time with. The photography throughout the book is top shelf. Seward Johnson and His Bronze Friends was originally published in French and this edition is an English translation by the author. Obviously recommended.