Francis Jaye Johnson, Day 7 Silver Ring, 2026. Image courtesy of artist.
Francis Jaye Johnson
CHUTESPACE
Opening Saturday 21 November, 2026, 6-8pm
Sunday 22 November - Sunday 13 December
Offcuts, Circles et Squares is a curated selection of wearable silver works by Francis Jaye Johnson, developed in response to a creative challenge set by Craft + Design Canberra in July 2026. Exploring the theme of Dissent, Johnson transformed discarded scraps and offcuts into new forms, finding creative potential in materials and shapes previously eliminated and rejected.
Initially created over 28 days, the full series comprises 21 works, with twelve chosen for exhibition in chute space. Here the work draws focus between the curves in circles and the structured right angles of the square. These contrasting forms and divergent structures, meet, overlap, mix and/or remain noble and highlight the tension between structure and fluidity, order and movement. Delighting in the interplay of opposing geometries, Johnson attributes ‘Play’ and the act of creativity as the ultimate practice of dissent to modern society’s demands of the individual.
Reusing, upcycling, and reimagining material remnants to reduce waste is an underlying theme within Johnson’s creative practice.