Renowned artist Rashid Johnson, known for his evocative and large-scale paintings often rendered in oil on linen, is a visionary whose work transcends traditional boundaries. His pieces are characterized by their rich textures and complex narratives, exploring themes of identity, history, and cultural symbolism. In addition to his painting, Johnson's sculptural work further exemplifies his mastery, often incorporating diverse materials that add depth and dimension to his exploration of cultural identity. Johnson's distinctive style, marked by a blend of abstraction and figurative elements, resonates with the elegance and precision inherent in the sport of tennis.This connection is rooted in the shared demands for discipline and a balance of thoughtful and dynamic finesse that both his art and tennis embody.

A studio visit with Johnson sets the stage for the release of JACQUES’ sixth annual tennis collection. His dynamic and poetic works effortlessly complement the collection. Beyond his artistic achievements, Johnson perceives tennis and art as mirror disciplines, both demanding an allegiance to form, athleticism, and strategic thinking. “Tennis is cerebral, and, like painting, you are left on an island to fend for yourself,” he reflects, drawing a poignant parallel between the solitary nature of both pursuits.

We sat down with Rashid Johnson to delve into his symbiotic relationship with tennis and how it flows into his art:

We would love to learn more about your relationship with tennis. What do you love about the sport?

Tennis is a game of technique meeting a game of athleticism. It’s cerebral and like painting you are left on an island to fend for yourself. 

Can you tell us about your first memory of playing or watching tennis?

I started playing tennis as a kid. My first memories are finding several tennis rackets in a garbage can, when I was 8 years old, taking them to a court, finding abandoned balls and hitting the balls against the wall. 

Do you see any parallels between the discipline of tennis and art?

There are endless parallels between tennis and art, the autonomy, the commitment, the allegiance to form, and employment of strategy are just a few that come to mind. 

Are there any complimentary practices or rituals that you utilize in both your work and tennis?

Showing up.

What physical elements are involved in your work? In what ways does moving your body play into the creative process?

My art practice is an extremely physical one. I often work on a very large scale and use my body and hands directly as tools in my gestures.  

What techniques or practices do you use to find a meditative state, and how do those methods impact your creative process?

Creating art is a meditative state for me. I think of painting as an act of meditation.