ARTIST STATEMENT:

I am largely amused by how cartoons and popular culture have influenced generations of children in ways no one ever really intended. The lives of these fictional characters have generated some of our fondest memories of events that have never actually occurred. Growing up without cable TV meant my access to these exploits were infrequent. Instead, I would draw cartoons to spend time with them. Yet, toy packaging, VHS cover art, comic strips and magazine illustrations and later video games provided comfort too.

As I was reintroduced to childhood cartoons or discovered past programs as an adult, I related to them more on issues that are relevant to me now. These comparisons have become the inspiration for my paintings. While cartoons are often my subject matter, I think a unifying theme of my work is a sense of displacement.

I foremost see myself as a storyteller and feel a responsibility to create paintings that are both entertaining and memorable. I talk, discuss and enlighten through images. My education in hand drawn animation taught me how to make purposeful and emotional drawings. That lead to me now creating narrative cartoon paintings in an academic style with acrylic paint. I work in a visual style many in the art world refer to as 'Low Brow art' or 'Pop Surrealism'. I like the term 'Pop Symbolism' to describe the work I create, as I portray elements of popular culture infused with hidden meaning.

Phonemically:

jon-no doo-why-run

BRIEF BIO:

I grew up during the animation renaissance of the 1990's which fueled my obsession with cartoons. My Grandfather was also an artist and there was no doubt I would pursue a career in the arts. I went to College to study fine arts (life drawing, painting and sculpture) and 2D hand drawn animation. I have since worked as an animator, illustrator and painter. Since 2009, I've exhibited my work in galleries, art fairs and conventions. I've also curated group shows over the years.

"Jono’s work pops. Many times you see similar pieces that have a certain iconography, or pop art sensibility, and you ask, ‘Why?’. With Jono, every piece is exciting and colourful. His art works. Big time.”

- Andy Nulman

Co-Founder of Just for laughs, entrepreneur,

public speaker, investor, author, patron of the arts