Rashid Johnson’s newest effort, “Islands,” like subsequent exhibitions of his work at the David Kordansky Gallery encompasses a difficult, if necessary journey into and beyond a constructed human identity. In this case, Johnson takes inspiration from the exceptional iconic novel Native Son by Richard Wright. Far from illustrating any notion of a narrative, Johnson rigorously and elegantly builds his own alternate visual experience, at once intimate and jarringly public. This is the work of a far-reaching mind at work, in concert with a deeply compassionate, if idiosyncratic spirit. Go see this show to remind yourself you are alive. 

David Kordansky Gallery
Rashid Johnson: “Islands” through Oct. 29
5130 W. Edgewood Place
Los Angeles, CA 90019