by JonOne

John Andrew Perello, better known as his alias JonOne, is a graffiti artist and painter of Dominican origin who was born in New York in 1963.

Growing up in Harlem, JonOne started doing graffiti on the streets of his neighborhood at 17. In an innovative style which goes beyond the "rules" of urban street art and graffiti, his pieces address "freestyle", his lived-by concept that doesn't impose any limits. He began producing work clearly influenced by his contemporary art and experience, from hip hop and street life, to the metro.

A self-taught artist, JonOne later turned to painting on canvas, a support that would bring him international fame, after moving to Paris in 1987. There, he met artists of all styles, including Speedy Graphito and LAII. Very quickly, JonOne made a name for himself in the Parisian art world. 

In JonOne's graffiti paintings, the space is fully used and empty, white spaces simply do not exist. Color acts as his lifeline, his palette is rich and deep, the tones and contrasts reveal games of subtle nuances, with harmonious composition which appear spontaneous but also designed, the shapes are formed and deconstructed, curvy or straight. There is symmetry and asymmetry, repetition and unity, his strokes are controlled with precision and flexibility. Each of his paintings is an abstract improvisation, whose brilliance transmits the joy of life.

Today, the artist's esteem is obvious through his various brand collaborations. JonOne has partnered with major brands such as Lacoste, Hennessy, Air France, Perrier and many more.