Surface, Accumulation, and Continuity: Fiona Johnston at Transitions
Fiona Johnston, 'Natures Tapestry’2025, Acrylic on canvas, mixed media, 92 x 61 cm, $800
Artist Fiona Johnston features four materially rich works in Transitions at Romulus Folio Gallery, where surface, pigment, and texture carry the weight of time and process.
Johnston’s practice has evolved from an early grounding in watercolour into a confident engagement with acrylic, pigment, and sand. This transition remains visible in the work. The sensitivity to flow, transparency, and tonal movement developed through watercolour continues to permeate her approach, through layered and tactile surfaces. Pigment is worked into the canvas with patience and intention. Sand introduces density and the beauty within the grit of resistance, allowing the surface to hold movement while remaining grounded. Each work builds through accumulation, recording decisions, pauses, and shifts in energy as material settles into place.
From Flow to Form
Johnston’s use of acrylic carries the memory of water. Colour moves across the surface with a sense of rhythm and softness, patience shaped by an understanding of how pigment behaves in fluid states. This knowledge gives her textured works a quiet balance between movement and structure, pigment dilution and concentration. Sand becomes a familiar stabilising force within the compositions. It anchors the pigment, giving the surface weight and calm presence. Texture operates as both visual and emotional language, inviting close engagement and resonance. The works hold a sense of continuity as Johnston’s earlier ways of working remain active within the material evolution of her practice, allowing the paintings to feel both settled and alive.
Fiona Johnston Within Transitions
Curated by Angelina Mirabito, Transitions brings together artists exploring change, movement, and becoming. Johnston’s contribution locates transition within process itself. Transformation unfolds through layering, repetition, and the gradual building of surface. Within the exhibition, her works offer a grounded counterpoint. They hold space for reflection through material presence, reminding viewers that transition often occurs through steady accumulation rather than sudden shift.
Viewing the Work
Fiona Johnston’s works are on view as part of Transitions at Romulus Folio Gallery, The Gladstone, South Melbourne, until 25 January.
Original works are available for acquisition.
Romulus Folio Gallery 55 Gladstone Street,
South Melbourne, 3205, Victoria, Australia
Wednesday - Friday 12 - 7pm
Saturday & Sunday 12pm - 5pm
By appointment