At The Active Space in Bushwick, an artist explores what it's like to be dreaming without sleeping.

"Dreaming Without Sleeping” allows viewers to glimpse artist Criminy Johnson's view of our waking world: a bent, slightly pessimistic and occasionally hostile place populated by animals and people who are often reluctant to be interrupted by the viewer.

“Criminy makes oil paintings in his studio but often makes wheatpastes that relate to these in some way. Many people are familiar with Criminy’s work but may have seen it outside of a gallery setting, and QRST fans might be discovering Criminy Johnson’s paintings for the first time,” says curator Robin Grearson, who worked with Johnson last year on a group show at the Active Space. “Criminy has been in Bushwick for a few years, and QRST’s street work often shows up here, so the Active Space is an ideal location to present the two styles together.”

The Active Space is a pro­gres­sive arts cen­ter in the quickly grow­ing com­mu­nity of Bush­wick, Brook­lyn.

Once a feather factory, this three story building is now home to twenty five artists studios and exhibition space.

Community is important within the Active Space and is what sets us apart from other artist studios. Artist not only work side by side on their own projects but are encouraged to collaborate with one another as well as exhibit and plan shows within the space.

“We opened in February of last year, so I’m happy that the first show in our building’s brand-new gallery space falls on our first anniversary,” says Ashley Zelinskie, director of The Active Space.

“Robin is an accomplished writer, yet this is the third show she has curated here. Last year we discovered that we really work well together, and one thing I appreciate about my role as director of a Bushwick art space is the opportunity I have to support emerging artists and curators I believe in,” she added.

The exhibition lasts until April 20.

For more information on the exhibition and the gallery, visit 566johnsonave.com.