In the urban art world he needs no introduction. As well as holding legendary status in French-American street art circles, the hugely successful abstract expressionist John Andrew Perello, or JonOne as he is more commonly known, is a creative with long-standing, cross-cultural appeal. His esteemed work, which he describes as ‘abstract expressionist graffiti’, meanwhile commands serious clout amongst art experts and collectors around the globe.

In association with ArtTime, ‘The Way of Colors’ will see the esteemed artist exhibiting his work in the Middle East for the first time from the 26^th November until the 9^th December at Jossa by Alserkal in Alserkal Avenue.

Born in Harlem in the USA, it was dabbling in street graffiti that first ignited his self-taught passion. From New York, where he attended the likes of the iconic Studio 54 and rubbed shoulders with Jean Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol, JonOne journeyed and moved to Paris (where he is still based). JonOne turned to painting on canvas, bringing with him a bold, entirely modern approach to the medium that has only evolved over time and made him known as one of industry pioneers for graffiti art.

Distinctive and highly nuanced, JonOne’s pieces are renowned for their clever use of space, colour, layering and shading and their nod to graffiti culture. This, along with his subtle yet subversive refusal to conform to preconceived artistic norms or rules has not just garnered him legions of fans, but a well-earned place in the modern urban art canon alongside the likes of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and Banksy.

His highly sought-after, financially significant works are coveted by galleries and individual collectors alike and are rightfully considered investment pieces with ever-increasing value.

JonOne is renowned for his talent, integrity and the authenticity of his collaborations. He has worked with a clutch of prestigious industry giants from Guerlain to Lacoste, Air France to Agnes.B. and in 2015 was honoured with a knighthood from the French Legion of Honor in recognition of his services to French art and culture. Not only that, JonOne occupies 7th place in the top 25 artists from the street art and graffiti scene worldwide at auction in the past two years.

The much-anticipated solo show will offer a regionally unprecedented opportunity for art lovers – from inspired young creatives to aficionados looking to add to their private collections – to immerse themselves in, and purchase, a selection of JonOne’s most well-known works, pieces recently created in Paris and, even more excitingly, an array of never-seen-before art inspired by Dubai.

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