Tonika Lewis Johnson
“In this day and age, how we transport information is primarily visual. It’s through the application of photography and visuals that allows artists to tell their stories”
Tonika Lewis Johnson, a Chicago native hailing from the South Side's Englewood neighborhood, is a multifaceted artist and photographer. Co-founder of both the Englewood Arts Collective (EAC) and Resident Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E.), she actively challenges and reshapes the narrative surrounding South Side communities. With a keen eye for urban segregation and a commitment to preserving Chicago's Black cultural memory, Tonika's work explores injustices ingrained in our built environment, systems, and social networks.
A trained photojournalist and former teaching artist, Tonika has garnered citywide recognition since 2017. Chicago Magazine honored her as a Chicagoan of the Year in 2017, celebrating her photography capturing Englewood’s everyday beauty. She has exhibited her projects "From the INside" and "Everyday Rituals" at popular public venues such as Rootwork Gallery, the Chicago Cultural Center, the Harold Washington Library Center, and Loyola University's Museum of Art (LUMA).
In 2018, LUMA also debuted her groundbreaking Folded Map project which investigates disparities among "map twins” — Chicago residents living miles apart on the same street in racially and economically different neighborhoods— while bringing them together to have conversations. An excerpt of Folded Map was also included in Museum of Contemporary Art’s 2020 exhibition, The Long Dream.
Transforming Folded Map into a nonprofit organization in 2020, Tonika serves as Creative Executive Officer, using the project as a policy-influencing tool that invites audiences to open a dialogue about how we are ALL socially impacted by racial and institutional segregation in Chicago.
Tonika's influence extends beyond her art. Recognized as one of Field Foundation's Leaders for a New Chicago in 2019, she currently serves as an appointed member of the Cultural Advisory Council within the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. In 2021, she was selected as the National Public Housing Museum’s Artist-As-Instigator, working on her latest project, "Inequity for Sale," which sheds light on the history of homes sold on Land Sale Contracts in Greater Englewood during the 50s and 60s.
Honored as one of Landmark Illinois' 2022 Influencers, Tonika fearlessly confronts inequities in real estate and land use practices with her impactful project, "Inequity For Sale." Her significant contributions were further recognized by the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) in 2023, awarding her their Community Impact Award. Tonika Lewis Johnson stands as a beacon of positive change, helping reshape the social and cultural landscape of Chicago with her powerful blend of art and advocacy.
Visit www.tonikaj.com to see more.
A 2017 Chicagoan Of The Year
Chicago Magazine
Creator of Folded Map
Chicago Tribune
The Next Generation of Philanthrophy
Columbia College Chicago