Cult singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston's work had a huge impact on early-90s alternative music in America. Kurt Cobain famously wore a T-shirt bearing the cover art of Johnston's album "Hi, How Are You?" to the 1992 VMAs. In Daniel Johnston: Here, now on view at Reverse in Williamsburg, portrait photographer Jung Kim documents a tour with the iconic musician. The 16 images on display represent a five-year-long friendship between the two artists and show Johnston as a genius disconnected from the world his songs so accurately mirror.
Many of Kim's photographs were taken at Johnston's home in Waller, Texas. Toys and memorabilia from his childhood cover virtually every inch of the musician's kitchen and garage, and above his bed he has created an intricate collage of pictures of topless women and Marilyn Monroe. Like Johnston's drawings, this view into his private rooms is like a window into a brain that struggles simultaneously with the requirements of being an adult and the comfort and familiarity of youth.
Until November 24
REVERSE
28 Frost Street
Brooklyn, NY
MAP
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Daniel Johnston, "You Deserve It" (2012). Ink pen and color markers on 8.5”x11” card stock. All images courtesy of Reverse.
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Daniel Johnston, "Does This Make You Happy Daniel?" (c. 2001). Ink pen and watercolors on 8.5”x11” thin typing paper.
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Daniel Johnston, "When Friends Turn Away" (c. 2001). Ink pen and gouache paint on 8.5”x11” card stock.
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Jung Kim, "HERE," Waller, TX (2010). Glicée print.
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Jung Kim, "BACKYARD," Waller, TX (2010). Glicée print.
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Jung Kim, "KITCHEN," Waller, TX (2010). Giclée print.
A far cry from familiar "rock star" editorials, Kim's work confirms the singer's outsider status. The photos seldom portray Johnston at the center of their composition, and in turn the musician rarely acknowledges the camera, reinforcing the feeling of detachment. Johnston has never embraced his fame, and accordingly Kim shows him rehearsing, addressing everyday tasks, and in various states of waiting, but never performing.
In addition to Kim's photos, the exhibition premieres a collection of Johnston's own drawings: child-like sketches of cartoon characters engaging in battle. With their poster-paint colors and naif style, the drawings seem to challenge the facets of adulthood Johnston was afraid of—sex, emotionally apathetic women, and cruel people in positions of power.Many of Kim's photographs were taken at Johnston's home in Waller, Texas. Toys and memorabilia from his childhood cover virtually every inch of the musician's kitchen and garage, and above his bed he has created an intricate collage of pictures of topless women and Marilyn Monroe. Like Johnston's drawings, this view into his private rooms is like a window into a brain that struggles simultaneously with the requirements of being an adult and the comfort and familiarity of youth.
Until November 24
REVERSE
28 Frost Street
Brooklyn, NY
MAP
Daniel Johnston, "You Deserve It" (2012). Ink pen and color markers on 8.5”x11” card stock. All images courtesy of Reverse.
Daniel Johnston, "Does This Make You Happy Daniel?" (c. 2001). Ink pen and watercolors on 8.5”x11” thin typing paper.
Daniel Johnston, "When Friends Turn Away" (c. 2001). Ink pen and gouache paint on 8.5”x11” card stock.
Jung Kim, "HERE," Waller, TX (2010). Glicée print.
Jung Kim, "BACKYARD," Waller, TX (2010). Glicée print.
Jung Kim, "KITCHEN," Waller, TX (2010). Giclée print.