Lay of the Land
Jonlouis’s group show exhibition at Vertical Gallery, Chicago, opening April 4th, 2025.
My latest collection, “Lay of the Land,” was inspired by my residency on small ranches in Jalisco, Mexico. Living and working alongside the locals, I sought to understand how relying on the land—as a source of nourishment, life, and even recreation—shapes our sense of purpose and belonging.
Using oils and airbrush on “Amate,” a traditional pre-Hispanic bark paper made from fig tree fiber and flattened with volcanic rock, I illustrate the profound bond between humanity and the land. These pieces reveal how embracing our role as harvesters and caretakers can bring a deeper sense of clarity, reminding us that land is more than just soil—it is the very source of life.
Imagined Reality
Jonlouis’s fifth solo exhibition at Scope International Contemporary Art Show, opening Dec 3rd.
What separates us from our thoughts?
Imagined Reality explores our natural and boundless connection to the unseen world and our ability to bridge the gap between imagination and reality. Created with various free-flowing mediums, the eight new featured paintings mark an evolution in Jonlouis’s dynamic style—his compositions becoming softer, and communicating remarkable depth. Reflecting through fragmented memory and perspective, they recall an intimate sense of revelation, when a moment of clarity is beginning to unfold before your eyes or the feeling of becoming in tune with the cosmos. The background is conceptualized through subtle colors and dye techniques, heavy textures reveal rain and bodies of water, enveloping the characters and their surroundings. Jonlouis presents water as life's matter and matrix, and our search for renewal, clarity, and enlightenment.
Until The Streetlights Come On
Jonlouis’s second solo exhibition at Palm Beach Modern and Contemporary Art Show, opening March 21.
Until the Streetlights Come On celebrates of freedom and the essence of home– inspired by the vibrant landscapes of his upbringing in the Space Coast, Florida. While deeply personal, Jonlouis's work also offers a window into the world of a generation that cherished outdoor adventures and carefree exploration. Light is an enduring presence in Jonlouis’s new collection, taking the form of delicate blue watercolor washes and shadows that populate the backgrounds. The textured landscapes speak to the experience of curiosity, uncertainty, and exploration. The exhibition features six new paintings in which the artist dives into moments of exploration between childhood autonomy and the outside world. Centering the conversation on Play– the child figures interact with one another and bravely explore the fantastical world of each canvas. The artworks act as a conduit, transporting us to a simpler time, where the joy of discovery and the thrill of exploration were the guiding forces of our existence.
