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-3-
encouraging.

The following notice appeared in paper concerning Johnson's Oslo exhibition:

Johnson is primitive - with a strong sence for the simple - with a color more appealing to the decorative than to the visionary....that comes like the high and low tones in negro spirituals in monumental rhyme - which in itself makes a wonderful balance in the ensemble."

Next followed four years' travel thru Norway. His Journeys carried him from Lillehammer down the West Coast, painting as he went, and exhibitions were held in Volda and Alasund. The following summer Johnson was invited to exhibit at the Trondhimer Museum and because of this successful one-man show, by the American Ambassador, Mr. Fred Morris Dearing and member of the Legation Staff. Following repeat-exhibitions at Oslo, Kerteminde and Odense, Johnson returned to this country.

One of the Odense papers had this to say of Johnson's work:

"He has the great world's colors on his palette - as we mean color in Paris, London, Berlin and New York. He paintings because he is a born painter, with or without art school or academy training. His work rings clear and genuine, like good music-often in Dur - more often in Mol. All modern art demands will and ability to understand - not so with Johnson's. Johnson's painting has value.

In New York, during 1938-1939, Johnson exhibited at the Artists' Gallery, 33 West 8th Street; the Neerendorff Gallery, 18 Zast 57th Street; Benestaell Gallery; Contemporary Art Gallery; Municipal Art Gallery; Weythe Bookshow Gallery; Albany Museum; Harlem Art Center, Comments on his exhibition at the Artists Gallery, which appeared in "Times" of February 26, 1939 say in part: "Colorful, bold, quite modern work, with considerable impact."
The "New York Post" of February 25th had this to say:".......is strongly attached to the Scandinavian expressionist tradition come down from Eduard Munch. His handling of water color and graphic techniques together is expecially fine. His show at the Artists Galleray y reveals a strong personality."