Pistachio
Painted at Case Frames Studios, Walyalup, July 2022

In Pistachio, Mossy 333 (Mossy Jade Johnson) explores the delicate tension between protection and vulnerability through a series of large abstract acrylic works and concrete sculptures. Central to the collection is the metaphor of the pistachio nut—a symbol of the hard outer shell and the soft, tender center. This duality reflects the ongoing negotiation between the public and private self, revealing and concealing aspects of identity, and navigating the tension between toughness and vulnerability.

The expansive, cavernous spaces depicted in the works serve as a visual meditation on introspection and self-contemplation, reflecting the inner landscapes of both the body and the mind. The soft greens, deep purples, and pastel tones create an organic, almost natural atmosphere, grounding the pieces in themes of growth, change, and self-protection. The works ask: who remains on the outside, protected by a hard shell? Who is allowed access to the vulnerable core?

Through Pistachio, Mossy invites the viewer to reflect on the boundaries that define us—what we hide, what we share, and the transformative processes that crack us open. The exhibition presents an intimate space for reflection on how we navigate the complexities of our inner and outer worlds, and how we reconcile these dualities within ourselves.