James Oliver Jones Jr.
James's art emerges from a deeply personal, intuitive understanding that expresses raw emotions and sensations. Through unbridled contemplation, he captures the essence of the human experience—its joys, sorrows, and complexities—trusting that the emotion channeled onto canvas possesses its own inherent truth and power.
Artist Statement
My artistic journey is a deeply personal one, born from the intuitive need to express the emotions and sensations that wash over me. As a self-taught artist, I embrace the freedom of unbridled expression, allowing feelings to guide my hand and brush. I don't strive for preconceived narratives or rigid themes; instead, I trust that the raw emotion I channel onto the canvas possesses its own inherent truth and power.
My work invites viewers on a journey of personal interpretation. I aim to create spaces for resonance, where the audience can connect with the artwork on their own terms, bringing their unique experiences and perspectives to the table. This collaborative process, where my inner world meets the viewer's own, is at the heart of my artistic practice.
To best convey the multifaceted nature of my inner world, I explore a variety of media, including acrylics, oils, and gouache. While I have expressed myself through photography, poetry, and music, I currently find myself drawn most deeply to the visual arts. Through the vibrant colors, dynamic textures, and forms of these media, I strive to capture the essence of the human experience – its joys, sorrows, and complexities – and share it with the world.
Biography
James Oliver Jones Jr. is an accomplished artist and sociopolitical thought leader. At 81-years-young, James has created ripples of creativity and insight throughout his life that have inevitably touched us all at some level through his many art forms and work as a civil rights advocate in the US and internationally. His innate sensitivity to the human condition and desire to make it better can be seen and felt through his work across multiple disciplines, including painting, music, literature, and photography. Through his art, he brings attention to the joy he has found in transforming the status quo and sharing smiles with peoples of many different cultures. His originality of thought and expression have led to him becoming friends with world dignitaries and some of the most respected artists, musicians, and writers of our time.
His voyage through art has been documented through one-man, group, or collaborative shows in Amsterdam-Bali, Indonesia-Bangkok, Thailand-Berlin-Hong Kong-Las Palmas, Gran Canaria-Milan-New York City-Paris-Rome-San Francisco-Singapore-Tokyo.
View Catalog of Available Work
We invite you to browse paintings directly through our online store.
Book a Private Viewing Experience
To enjoy paintings in-person, serious inquirers may reserve a private appointment for themselves or a small group at the No Ordinary Encounter viewing room, located in SoHo, New York City.