About
Jonathan's recent work focuses on ecological issues and often takes the form of life-size...
Jonathan Imafidor is an artist based in Atlanta, Georgia, with a passion for nature and its influence on people. Born in Uneme-Nekhua, a small rural settlement in Southern Nigeria, Jonathan spent his early years exploring and creating art using natural materials. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Painting and an MPhil in African Art History from Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, where he also later taught Painting and Drawing as a Lecturer. Jonathan has had a successful art career, with over 25 group and solo exhibitions and numerous awards to his name. In 2017 and 2018, he briefly pursued an MFA in Painting at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta GA.
In the last eight years, Jonathan has been showcasing his art through exhibitions, mural paintings, and art workshops in the Dakotas. During this time, he also apprenticed under renowned artists John Lopez (SD) and William Massey (GA), which led to a shift in his art to sculpting using found metal objects.
Jonathan’s recent work focuses on ecological issues and often takes the form of life-size, or larger-than-life, animal sculptures that combine realism with metaphorical interpretations inspired by his African culture and his current environment in the United States. His talent and dedication to his craft were recognized when he won the “People’s 3D Choice” Award at the 2022 Artfields Art Competition in South Carolina.
He was also selected to represent the United States in an international art workshop and exhibition in Turkey, where his 20-foot-tall sculpture is now permanently displayed at the Presidential Symphony Orchestra Building
Artist Statement
As an artist, I am constantly inspired by the beauty and complexity of nature, particularly the relationships that exist within it. This fascination first developed during my childhood in rural Nigeria, where I spent much of my time interacting with the natural world and observing its various inhabitants. Throughout my career, I have explored a variety of media and techniques in order to express my artistic vision. I have worked with a range of materials, including synthetic animal hide, large animal-themed murals, soil and plant extracts, and most recently, scrap metal. Each medium allows me to bring my ideas to life in a unique and dynamic way, and I am constantly seeking new ways to push the boundaries of my art.
At the heart of my artistic practice is a deep concern for the issues facing our planet and its biodiversity. Climate change, waste, consumption, and environmental management are all critical issues that threaten the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. Through my art, I aim to raise awareness about these issues and inspire others to think about the impact of their actions on the natural world. By using scrap metal to create animal forms, I hope to encourage a sense of responsibility and a desire to work towards a more sustainable future. Ultimately, my goal is to create art that not only captures the beauty and complexity of nature, but also serves as a catalyst for positive change.