Don’t miss this new exhibit at Winston Wächter Fine Art
It’s hard to remember the last time life felt quiet.
Our phones buzz constantly with notifications, headlines are never-ending, and moments meant for rest often become opportunities to document or share.
Washington artist barry johnson’s newest exhibition, silence is golden, at Winston Wächter Fine Art (203 Dexter Avenue) offers something increasingly rare: permission to simply be still.
The exhibition builds on johnson’s previous body of work, which explored grief following the loss of his older brother. While those paintings focused on his own experience, this new series widens the lens, using solitary figures immersed in sweeping natural landscapes to explore the healing power of slowing down.
“I wanted to continue working on that series, but this time I wanted to center it on other people, still showing the therapeutic and transformative power of nature,” johnson says.
“Life also seems to have increased in pace, with major changes happening that impact life in what feels like a daily routine. I chose to say as little as possible, solely relying on producing rather than speaking.”
That restraint extends beyond the canvas.
“Silence presents an unfathomable power,” he says. “The weapon to confuse and divide people has always been overstimulation: ‘Look over here, listen to and watch this.’ Taking time to properly reflect and assess allows for the greatest potential outcome,” he explains.
Throughout silence is golden, individuals occupy wide-open fields inspired by johnson’s Midwest upbringing. They aren’t rushing toward a destination or reacting to the world around them. They’re simply existing.
The expansive compositions encourage viewers to linger a little longer and embrace the same sense of calm found within the paintings.
For johnson, creating the work also reinforced the importance of caring for himself before trying to care for everyone else.
“Being the greatest version of yourself for the world starts with self-love, and there’s no higher form of self-love than self-care,” he says. “Realizing that you can’t be everywhere and be everything to everyone is hard to accept, but once you do, it will liberate you to feel like you have more autonomy over your daily life.”
That message feels particularly relevant in South Lake Union, where busy schedules and ambitious careers often leave little room for reflection. johnson isn’t asking viewers to abandon modern life. He’s suggesting that stepping away from it—even briefly—can change your perspective.
“There’s a saying that surfaced last year that summarizes the show: ‘Touch grass,’” he says. “I think we live in one of the greatest places on earth to go outside. Go explore and get lost on purpose. It’s amazing how quickly your view on life changes once you step outside. Devote more time to yourself. It’ll make you better for everyone and everything else.”
Sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is nothing at all.
silence is golden is now on view at Winston Wächter Fine Art in South Lake Union through August 22. Admission is free during regular gallery hours (Tuesday–Friday, 10am to 5pm; Saturday, 11am to 5pm).
Story by Ethan Chung. Photos by Ryan Warner/courtesy Winston Wächter Fine Art.
