JonOne
US artist
Biography
«The future is in the canvas»
Born in 1963 in New York, USA, lives and works in Paris.
John Andrew Perello, also known as JonOne or Jon 156, founded the group 156 All Starz in 1984 after having started, at the age of 17, in the world of graffiti thanks to his childhood friend White Man.
JonOne creates abstract works influenced by movement, color and energy, whereas other graffiti artists create figurative works.
A self-taught artist, JonOne starts to paint on canvas in 1985 because it offers the possibility of leaving a trace over time.
The same year, gallery owner Rick Librizzi exhibits his work in New York.
Following Bando’s invitation, he moves to Paris in 1987. France gives him the opportunity to «continue his personal enrichment».
In 1990, JonOne meets Maître Pierre Cornette de Saint Cyr who enables him to move to the Hôpital éphémére, a squat established in the Hôpital Bretonneau, from 1991 to 1996. There he meets Sharp, Ash, JayOne and Skki and A-One who introduce him to the Parisian art world by showing him around galleries and exhibitions.
His first solo exhibition, entitled «Graffitism», takes place in 1990 at Galerie Gleditsch 45 in Berlin, Germany. This is followed by group and solo exhibitions all over the world (Tokyo, Monaco, Paris, Marseille, Geneva, New York, Hong Kong, Brussels, Los Angeles, Rome, Milan, Abidjan, Dakar, Beijing, Miami...).
His paintings are an explosion of colors, JonOne describes himself as an «abstract expressionist graffiti painter».
Photo credit Gwen Le Bras
Q&A with JonOne
Why did you accept this free rein that the Faïencerie de Gien gave you to celebrate its 200th anniversary ?
I’ve always wanted to work on earthenware because it can elevate my work... I’ve often observed great artists, like Picasso, working on such media...
What does the Faïencerie de Gien bring to mind, for you ?
It reminds me of French craftsmanship, recognised throughout the world. It reminds me of moments of sharing and collaboration between craftsmen and artists.
What was your inspiration for this collaboration ?
The shape of the vase gave me inspiration for a volcanic effect... I created this vase decoration at full moon... my mind was volcanic too... I wanted to find an aesthetic expression that was atypical and different from usual vases.
How did you approach this earthenware/volume medium to express your art ? In other words, how did you integrate it into your artistic process ?
I had the opportunity to work twice with the oldest ceramic factory in Lisbon, Portugal... There I understood the contact with this material.... So I looked at this vase as a work of art or a canvas...I was not afraid of the medium.
What have you learnt from this experience ?
This experience has made me want to continue and to develop my art with this medium and Faïencerie know-how.
