Review Highlights
“Johansson Projects is easily one of the top galleries in the East Bay.” in 4 reviews
“JP has shown many very talented artists, including Jim Campbell, Tadashi Moriyama, The McCoys, Jill Gallenstein, David Trautrimas, Jeff Konigsberg, Kristina Lews, Mike Meyers, and many, many more.” in 2 reviews
Location & Hours
You Might Also Consider
in Framing
in Art Restoration, Framing, Art Installation
in Framing
Amenities and More
About the Business
Johansson Projects is contemporary art gallery that functions as a curatorial laboratory, creating exhibitions that pair established and internationally-recognized artists with up-and-coming locals. Its unique architecture allows for innovative exhibitions, prompting viewers to actively engage with artists who explore the delicate mysteries embedded in modernity often using unorthodox materials and methods. Johansson Projects was voted best gallery in 2008 and 2009 and is a locus for curators, collectors, and artists to connect and engage in dialogue with the larger art community both regionally and nationally.
Ask the Community
Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about Johansson Projects.
Recommended Reviews
Overall rating
12 reviews
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
- Michael H.Oakland, CA3121407660Nov 15, 2008
The most consistently spellbinding gallery within Oakland Murmur.
Johansson can be spotted on the corner by its text covered spotlight. Inside you'll find a classy gallery that has a faux grass ceiling.
When I visited the artwork presented were oil paintings on aluminum and paint on transparency. These unusual mediums really played to their strengths. I didn't see anything else in Oakland this contemporary or experimental.
Unfortunately I hear that they're moving to New York. I can totally see them thriving in a bigger city yet I cannot feel a tad betrayed. Nevertheless, I hope they strike it big.Helpful 3Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Patty B.Lafayette, CA254353917Jun 9, 2018
Stopped by during First Friday's and this was our favorite gallery to visit! Modern artwork and a beautiful space.
An IG-able spot for sure. It's got clean white walls, artwork that'll inspire you, and multiple rooms to explore.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Heather J.Bay Area193322143Jan 22, 2017
Beautifully curated art exhibits. Had a chance this week to stop by to meet Sofie Ramos as she's preparing the new exhibition (open in February) as well as a chance to see some of the pieces from the Cody Hoyt + Alexander Kori Girard exhibition.
Looking forward to stopping by in February for the Art Reception and Art Murmur!Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Stephan Vladimir B.Los Angeles, CA5391162Dec 7, 2009
One of the best art galleries in the Bay Area, not just the East Bay. Even the work that isn't up my alley is interesting, and always presented in some way that is completely appropriate to the work (which isn't always the case with galleries these days). Kimberly is a talented curator, and everything about her gallery is highly professional.
JP has shown many very talented artists, including Jim Campbell, Tadashi Moriyama, The McCoys, Jill Gallenstein, David Trautrimas, Jeff Konigsberg, Kristina Lews, Mike Meyers, and many, many more.
Oakland needs more places like this, so places like this need your support. Love contemporary art? Then check out Johansson Projects. (And I agree -- going some time other than Art Murmur will enhance your viewing experience, though going the night of Art Murmur will enhance your chaotic zoo of wine drinking hipsters experience, which can also be amusing.)Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Leah H.Oakland, CA232643May 19, 2009
Hands down, my favorite art gallery in the East Bay. I think I've seen every show in the last two years, and am consistently impressed -- and often blown away -- by them. Kimberley Johansson is an incredible curator, and I've been turned on to many of my now-favorite artists at Johansson Projects. I'm always excited to see what's next here.
One note: I've actually stopped going during the monthly Art Murmur, just because it's so packed that you can't really get a good look at the art. But I make a point to stop in the day afterwards so that I can take in the show of the moment at a more leisurely pace.Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - Jason B.Oakland, CA108113152Jul 20, 2009
The moment I walked in, I was immediately blown away. The artists are incredible & the quality of work in every piece is superb. I happened to stumble across Johansson Projects during my occasional lunch time exploration sessions & discovered the monthly Murmur which I'll definitely be coming out to check out next month. Major ups to Johansson Projects.. I'll definitely be making a point to come out & check out their future shows
Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 3Oh no 0 - Jeff R.San Francisco, CA61920822May 4, 2009
Hi people. This is the best art gallery in the bay area. Yes that includes San Francisco. Kimberly Johansson has an incredible eye for art that is aesthetically, conceptually and creatively strong and innovative. Every single show I have seen here has been fantastic. The only other gallery that comes close is Postmasters in New York City...
Yay...Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Lauren S.San Leandro, CA2114726359Apr 6, 2008
Always my 1st stop on the Oakland murmur crawl. I love the permanent fake grass ceiling, the video installation spaces in the backs of both rooms, and the interesting shows that come through there. This latest ones, Propagations, is super anti-establishment end of the worls Matrix shit. Really dug it. A lot of female artists, too, which is always great to see and experience.
http://johanssonprojects.net/phpflickr/propagations_show.php
Check out the recycled cardboard magnetized bench in the back.
Current Exhibition
Propagations
Featuring: Tadashi Moriyama, Paul Hayes, Alexis Amann, Rebecca Whipple, and Kiersten Essenpreis
May 15th Exhibition 6-9 pm
Portals
Featuring Jen Stark, Anna Fidler and Jana Flynn
Past Shows
Neither Here Nor There: 5 Artists Selected by Renny Pritikin
Read review by DeWitt Cheng
Anatomy of Folklore
Evan B. Harris and Lawrence LaBianca
Everything's Going South
October 2007 Review
Transtructural
September 2007
Thread
July 2007
Excavations
May 2007
Art of Survival
November 2006Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Nina N.Oakland, CA10357Dec 8, 2008
The only reason I still go to the art-poser (sorry folks) murm. This gallery shows amazing work, work that is unique, no copy cat action, amazing concepts and craftsmanship. The owner is so friendly and open to new ideas and artists. This is THE best gallery in the East Bay.
And I'm and artist.
And an art teacher.
And an art student.
o.k., you get the picture ;)Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Tara R.Oakland, CA3866Jul 29, 2008
Owner Kimberly Johansson is an amazing woman. She has taken the downtown Oakland art scene to a whole new level with her gallery, and I'm thrilled to see the transformation. The artists and shows are consistently fine, and often cutting-edge.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0
You Might Also Consider
in Sheds & Outdoor Storage
in Art Galleries, Framing, Printing Services