1. Introduction: A Polymath Artist
Djassi Dacosta Johnson stands as a compelling figure in the contemporary artistic landscape, a true polymath whose creative endeavors span dance, filmmaking, photography, writing, and design. Her work is not merely a collection of diverse talents but a cohesive expression of her unique vision, deeply rooted in ancestral knowledge and a profound commitment to social justice.
Through her multifaceted career, Johnson challenges perceptions and unearths magic and possibility, using art as a powerful tool for liberation and recovery. Her journey reflects a relentless pursuit of creative expression and a dedication to making a tangible impact on the world around her.
2. Early Life and Foundations in Dance
A native New Yorker, Djassi Dacosta Johnson’s artistic journey began with a rigorous classical training in modern dance. Her formative years were shaped by significant educational experiences, including a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and English from Barnard College.
Simultaneously, she honed her dance skills as a fellowship student at the prestigious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for seven years. This dual foundation in academic inquiry and intense physical discipline provided her with a unique lens through which to view and create art.
Her early career saw her performing and touring with a variety of renowned dance companies, such as Dance Brazil, Earl Mosley, Bill T. Jones, Hernando Cortez, Urban Bush Women, and Forces of Nature. Notably, she spent a decade as a soloist with MOMIX, a period that undoubtedly refined her performance artistry and stage presence.
3. A Global Perspective: International Work and Influences
Johnson’s artistic development was significantly enriched by her extensive international experiences. After a decade of touring in concert dance, she embarked on a transformative period living and working abroad.
She spent several years in Brazil and then nearly a decade in Italy, immersing herself in diverse cultures and artistic environments. These international sojourns profoundly influenced her artistic vision, broadening her understanding of movement, storytelling, and human experience.
Her linguistic versatility is another testament to her global perspective; she writes about dance, culture, and women’s issues in English, Italian, and Portuguese, contributing to various international publications such as KINFOLK, VIBE, TRACE, and Harvard Design Magazine.
4. Expanding Artistic Horizons: Filmmaking, Photography, and Design
While dance remained a foundational element of her expression, Djassi Dacosta Johnson gradually expanded her artistic horizons to include filmmaking, photography, and design. This evolution marked a significant shift, as she began to work more extensively from behind the lens, translating her choreographic sensibilities into visual narratives.
Her film work and photography have garnered international recognition, being displayed at numerous festivals and esteemed institutions worldwide. Notable exhibitions include Photoville in NYC, Shedhalle in Zurich, and The National Museum of Women in Washington, DC. Her latest film, “GAIA & LUNA: a mermaid dream journey,” received the “Most Uplifting” Award at the Cinema Verde environmental film festival in 2023, showcasing her ability to weave compelling stories with ecological themes.
Beyond visual arts, Johnson has also ventured into design, notably with her project Radical Women BK. This diverse portfolio underscores her belief in art as a versatile medium for communication and social commentary, allowing her to explore and express complex ideas across various platforms.
5. Advocacy and Social Impact: Doula, Activist, and Educator
Beyond her artistic pursuits, Djassi Dacosta Johnson is a dedicated advocate for social change, embodying roles as a Doula, Womb Healer, and Women’s Sexual & Sensual Agency Activist. Her work in these areas reflects a deep commitment to empowering women and supporting their well-being, particularly within the Black maternal community.
Her activism extends into education and mentorship. Johnson has mentored for the national writing program, Girls Write Now, for three years, fostering the next generation of female writers. Her academic contributions include serving as an Assistant Professor of Dance at The University of Virgin Islands from 2020-2022, where she was instrumental in establishing the first Dance Performance BFA program.
In these roles, she taught Ballet, Humanities, and Theater, further integrating her artistic and anthropological insights into her pedagogical approach. Her commitment to justice and liberation is evident in every aspect of her work, whether on stage, behind the camera, or in the classroom.
6. Collaborative Spirit and Interdisciplinary Art
Djassi Dacosta Johnson’s artistic practice is characterized by a vibrant collaborative spirit and a deep engagement with interdisciplinary art forms. She frequently partners with jazz musicians and visual artists, creating dynamic performances that transcend traditional boundaries. These collaborations have been featured at prominent festivals such as PERFORMA and Vision Fest in New York City, showcasing her ability to blend diverse artistic expressions into cohesive and impactful works.
Her work has also led to significant commissions from institutions like the Brooklyn Museum, where she has been invited to create performances on multiple occasions. One notable collaboration involved a performance with acclaimed author Alice Walker for the release of her book, Taking The Arrow Out Of The Heart, in 2019. Such projects highlight Johnson’s unique talent for weaving together movement, words, and visual elements to tell powerful stories.
Her storytelling, whether through movement, written words, images, or film, is consistently informed by her anthropological foundation and her deep roots in New York City’s dance scene. This interdisciplinary approach allows her to explore complex themes and engage audiences on multiple sensory and intellectual levels.
7. Philosophy and Vision: Art for Liberation
At the core of Djassi Dacosta Johnson’s extensive body of work lies a profound philosophical commitment: the belief in art as a powerful vehicle for liberation and social change. Her anthropological background provides a critical framework for understanding human experience and societal structures, which she seamlessly integrates with her dance roots to create art that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Johnson sees herself as an “image maker, shape shifter — a perception challenger,” delighting in the process of unearthing magic and possibility. Her artistic practice is not about mere aesthetics; it is about confronting societal ills, questioning established norms, and inspiring a collective journey towards healing and freedom. She asserts that her art is “steeped in justice, covered in love, grounded in mysticism and creating art to aid in the liberation and recovery of the human race.”
For Johnson, dance is more than just movement; it is “the filter through which I see everything.” This perspective imbues all her creative endeavors with a ritualistic quality, an offering of gratitude to those who have paved the way. Her work echoes the sentiment that “as long as we dance, we will never be lost,” emphasizing the enduring power of movement and creative expression to guide humanity through its challenges.
8. Conclusion: An Enduring Legacy
Djassi Dacosta Johnson’s journey is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary artistry and unwavering commitment to social impact. From her classical dance training to her innovative work in filmmaking, photography, and design, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of creative expression.
Her roles as an activist, Doula, and educator further underscore her dedication to human liberation and recovery, weaving together artistic excellence with profound social responsibility. Johnson’s unique ability to challenge perceptions and inspire change through her diverse talents ensures her an enduring legacy as a visionary artist and a powerful voice for justice.
Her work serves as a reminder that art, in its most expansive forms, can be a potent force for understanding, healing, and transformation in the world.