Reception for Neoliberal Loops - Rozsa Art Galleries

MICHIGAN TECH ART SERIES EVENT

Neoliberal Loops is a body of work created by Emma C. Johnson that explores neoliberalism, postfeminism, economic precarity, and how our understanding of these phenomena are mediated through visual culture. Her work is concerned with mundane and idiosyncratic details that are telling of a larger picture of the world. She works primarily in painting, printmaking, photography, video, sound, and text. Whatever medium the idea demands is what determines the materiality of the finished work.

The Neoliberal Loops project features three related works on the theme of financial crisis. This includes music/sound and digital video, photography, text on a moving LED lights screen, and letterpress on paper. This exhibition is an opportunity to reflect on capitalism, representation, and feminism, and grapple with this material in a visceral way. Emma invites viewers to reflect on neoliberalism, which often seems as natural as the air we breathe. This opens up a dialog about how representations of neoliberalism shapes our understanding of it and how we might approach our understanding of it and other possibilities for living differently. This project brings Emma's writing, art, music, and theoretical background together when these areas are typically compartmentalized.

This exhibition was also an opportunity for Emma to receive guidance from Michigan Technological University’s Math and Music Lab (MML) co-directors Robert Schnieder and Michael Maxwell. Combining math, visual and performing arts, and the humanities opens up possibilities. Emma's time at MTU was a unique opportunity to combine disciplines to culminate in an interdisciplinary project.

Enjoy refreshments and hear from the Emma C. Johnson about her works from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026.

This event is free and open to the public.

Things to know

EXHIBIT DATES | September 18-November 6, 2026
RECEPTION | Friday, September 18, 2026 | 5-7 p.m.
ADMISSION| Free and open to the public

CONTENT GUIDANCE | None.

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Rozsa Art Galleries are open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. M-F and 1-8 p.m. on Saturdays. Contact the Rozsa Box Office for more information.

Thank you to Sponsors

Support for this 2026/27 Michigan Tech Music Series event is sponsored in part by:
and the Michigan Tech Visual and Performing Arts Circle of Supporters at mtu.edu/rozsa/donors

About the Artist

Emma C. Johnson's work explores mundane and idiosyncratic details that reflect society. She focuses on media, aesthetics, (post)feminism, and neoliberalism.

She works primarily in painting, printmaking, photography, video, sound, and text, and has exhibited her artwork internationally.

Johnson holds a BFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, a BA in English from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, an MA in history from Central Michigan University, and an MS, with additional graduate work toward a Ph.D., in the Rhetoric, Theory, and Culture program at Michigan Technological University. Johnson also spent a year at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, and semesters at Parsons Paris School of Art and Design and, on an Erasmus+ grant, at Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena in Germany.

About the Presenter

Professional exhibitions in the Rozsa Art Galleries. Student showcases. Artist Talks with Studio Here Now. Cross-campus collaborations. The Michigan Tech Art Series offers dynamic programming that supports Michigan Tech students and our wider community.

Part of the annual Rozsa Season, the Michigan Tech Art, Music, and Theatre Series are presented by the Visual and Performing Arts Department. Through these series, students from across campus, community members, and faculty create art that connects us to the world. With majors in audio production and technology, sound design, theatre and entertainment technology, and nine minors, the department fosters creativity, self-motivation, and the development of practical and artistic skills. Everyone is welcome, and there's something for everyone.

View all Michigan Tech Art Series Events.

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