It Can Be This Way Always: Images from the Kerrville Folk Festival

In 2008 Johnson started photographing the “Kerrverts” of the Kerrville Folk Festival, an 18-day music event with an emphasis on songwriting, at the Quiet Valley Ranch west of Austin, TX. 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of this nonprofit gathering. Johnson’s photos de-emphasize performers, focusing instead on the overall spirit. His work explores people and places that run counter to everyday conformity, intentional communities that strive to define a different way of living. Influenced by photographers of the 1920s–1930s (e.g., Walker Evans and Dorothea Lange) and referencing photos of Woodstock and Burning Man Festival, Johnson’s black-and-white photos take in the entire scene, a mélange of campground, be-in, jamboree, dance floor, and jam session. Includes a thoughtful essay by Jason Mellard (director, Ctr. for Texas Music History, Texas State Univ.) on the power of music festivals to create communal space.