JOHN OBAFEMI JONES

To represent, commemorate, and reinterpret the multi-dimensional culture of Afro-Atlantic people through various creative expressions.
 

I value creative persistence and the courage needed to be creative in a constantly changing environment. Life is full of problems and obstacles, which offer doorways to new opportunities. Furthermore, I value the fact that my creativity communicates who I am. I believe my work honors my histories and myths and gives meaning to the world and myself. 
 

Historically, the culture of Afro-Atlantic peoples has used music and dance to continually represent and reinvent their multiple bases of identity spiritually, physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Therefore, I frequently use music and dance themes and icons. Jazz and Bamboula dance provide excellent back-story and aesthetic pulse for my work due to their emotional, expressive, and literal qualities.