Johnny Camacho
Johnny Camacho sees abstract art not as an art-historical relic, but as a living beat that pulses through his portraits and abstractions. Working under the moniker “Ultrathinkers,” he merges color and line in works where memory, rhythm and identity collide.
His creative roots trace back to his home in the Bronx, New York, where the textures of urban life street culture, graffiti, sound formed his early visual vocabulary. From there, he found in abstract art a way to reconcile the fragmented energy of his environment with the emotional core of his memories.
Constellations
Discernment
How long have you lived in the Traverse City region? What brought you here? What keeps you here?
I have been living in Traverse City for 4 1/2 years. I moved here for my kids. My kids are the reason that keeps me here. I can get a job anywhere in the world, but getting to see them grow up is more important than a job for me!
How does your art practice connect you to the community or vice versa?
The tranquil, slow pace of this town invites my chaos to erupt onto the canvas with clarity and intent. Reminding me that learning is the key to new self-discoveries.
What is an underappreciated aspect of our region?
I would say the underappreciated aspect of this region would be the art. Art that is diverse, artwork that is not of the norm, and as we get more people moving here from different parts of the United States/ world. The culture of this community slowly changes.
Tell us about your process for one of these works.
"Blue color 7"
I use my son Ryzen’s artwork scraps. My son is on the spectrum. We draw and paint together. I like to involve him in the selection of the scraps of his artwork. I would ask him if it's ok to use these artworks. He would tell me "yes". I would speed my process rapidly. The struggle between me and the canvas starts immediately. We fight until there is silence, and I see the image subconsciously appear on the canvas. The canvas and I become one. The connection between each image and shape falls into place. Giving birth to a new avenue of images and ideas on the canvas. As I complete my collage, there is an uncomfortableness in my gut. I know I am not finished. I speak to the colors on the canvas, and they direct me toward the finish stage. I let go and let my subconscious finish the painting.