The complex sounds of jazz and hip-hop flow from Lance Johnson’s garage studio where he creates his graffiti inspired artwork. The textures of the music are reflected in the layers of spray paint, recycled objects and power words stenciled on Johnson’s canvases. “I love this space, I get the music going and just vibe,” he says.
Inspired by seeing a documentary on the Harlem Renaissance at age 14, Johnson was moved by artists that “looked like me,” and the seed of his artistic career was planted.
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“My work is very improvisational, like jazz,” says Johnson, who was born in the Bronx and moved to Columbus five years ago. Johnson says he fell in love with the Columbus art community and all its vibrant collaborations. In addition to his pieces he creates in his garage studio, Johnson’s work includes murals around the city, live painting, teaching and recent work with BalletMet painting costumes with graffiti-style artwork.
Johnson thrives on the synergistic, creative energy and the “power to connect” he finds working with other artists, dancers and musicians. Recently he traveled to Turkey and Uzbekistan and saw the power of art to connect across cultures. “We didn’t speak the same language, but we connected through art,” he says.
Johnson is currently working on a exhibit at Franklin Park Conservatory, which will open Jan. 17, 2026 and be on display through mid-April.
This story appeared in the December 2025 issue of Columbus Monthly. Subscribe here.
This article originally appeared on Columbus Monthly: See Inside Columbus Artist Lance Johnson’s Garage Studio
Reporting by Tim Johnson and Lucy Clark, Columbus Monthly / Columbus Monthly
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
