About Johnny Darko

​Since 2005, British artist, Johnny Darko, has been creating one of kind pieces with gold, copper and silver leaf. “I cover the entire piece with leaf which I then oxidize with various acids at various strengths…the end result is remarkable. The gold and copper burn, changing colour and depth and a wonderful “tarnished” effect remains... reminiscent of an old worn Chateau panel one might see throughout Europe”.
 
Darko successfully carved out a unique and exciting career in the Australian art landscape but it wasn’t long before he begun craving the diverse culture and history so prevalent throughout Europe. That craving eventually brought him back to European shores where he settled in SouthWest France, where, along with his partner Ashley, is restoring an 18th century French Chateau. 

When asked how Darko would convey his style he simply says, “There is something very ancient inside of Darko. When I’m in my studio I shut off every aspect of my life and step into another time and place. I was born addicted to fantasy. For me there is something very magical and beautiful when I look upon the ancient walls encasing a home, Chateau or the like. Knowing that these amazing buildings have stood for hundreds of years and stood as guardians to many generations, teases my imagination as to what secrets these old walls may hold. The original stone that lay just beneath many layers of paint and render evokes something very deep inside”
And it is with this in mind that Darko's work reflects such beautiful tarnished patinas and tones throughout his art. 
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If the art of “Alchemy” is to take the seemingly ordinary and transform it into something quite extraordinary, then, artist Johnny Darko is indeed the “alchemist de force”.

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