Construction in pigmented plasterstone and steel. Each construction is unique, and varies in size.
A retired Art and Design lecturer, Johnny Armstrong has transitioned from 2D to 3D art, creating small mixed media abstract pieces using hard alpha plaster and Jesmonite pigments through sand-casting. Inspired by abandoned buildings across Europe, he explores textures and patterns from weathering, decay, and graffiti.
Johnny’s recent work, influenced by war-damaged structures in Ukraine and Gaza, reflects a conflicted perspective— finding both beauty and horror in destruction. His bold shapes and strong colours sometimes lean towards attractive aesthetics, whilst other times present a more challenging, unbalanced look. Johnny’s art captures the contradictory allure of collapsed architecture and scattered debris.
With the maquette and miniature in mind, Johnny keeps his constructions close to hand, so that imaginations can easily wander into tiny crevices and across larger forms, and better enjoy the shimmering colours and subtle changes of texture and tension.
You can find more of Johnny’s work in our upcoming Made in the Middle exhibition, launching at Leicester Gallery, de Montford University, on 25 January 2025.
