Desolate Ways was created by the Johnson brothers, Matt (left) and Carter, from the Judson Township. Matt works in photography and Carter is a sculptor, but both are interested in finding art in desolate places.

NEW ULM — The Desolate Ways exhibit received an open house celebration Saturday at The Grand Center for Arts & Culture.

The new exhibit in the 4 Pillars gallery was created by brothers Matt and Carter Johnson. The Johnson brothers are from the Judson Township and combine the Matt’s photography and Carter’s wood and sculpture work.

This is the second time the Johnson brothers have worked together on an exhibit. The two previously created an installation for The Grand’s Smallest Museum and are back at The Grand to exhibit in the 4 Pillars Gallery.

Matt said they are trying to choose pieces that complement each other’s work. Around eight of the pieces tie together.

Matt and Carter decided to call the show Desolate Ways because even though they work in different mediums, there is an abandoned quality to their work.

Matt said he likes to photograph empty places. He has a passion for finding abandoned sites. A couple of his photographs show buildings that have since been demolished.

Carter said it common for them to scavenge the material used in their art. There is a lot of found material in his sculpture. Carter explained near the Judson river bottom, there is plenty of material to be found from scrapes of wood to bone. Several of Carter’s pieces feature bone fragments from deer and other animals left by coyotes.

“I like to see what I can do with a material,” Carter said. “I like turning it into something that isn’t supposed to be here, but now it it.”

One of the centerpieces of the exhibit it a sculpture of a deer skull on hooks with flayed canvas pulled through it. This is positioned next to a black and white photo of a deer skeleton.

Other complimentary examples of the Johnson brothers’ work include a photograph of wooden chair in the woods, next to a chair made out of tree branches.

The brothers were deliberate in their selection of pieces to complement and contrast. The Johnsons said they would likely collaborate on future projects together. Carter said they are already planning something bigger.

Desolate Ways will remain on display through August 27 in the 4 Pillars Gallery. The Grand’s hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.