JONTE'
DREW
Jonte' is a visual artist from Paterson, New Jersey. He attended William Paterson University, where he received both a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2018 and a Master of Fine Arts in 2021.
Jonte's style utilizes humor to investigate the shared experiences of African Americans in America, the commodification of urban culture and the conversations surrounding mental health. His paintings and drawings often feature himself and other Black individuals in the midst of colorful and idealized environments. In addition, he places an emphasis on the humanity of his subjects by placing them in various scenes of leisure and domesticity in their plight of finding serenity and joy, while challenging the critical portrayal of masculinity and physicality as it relates to the perception of Black men and women.
Solo Exhibition
2021, In Green Pastures MFA Thesis Exhibition
Group Exhibitions
2021, Art Fair 14C Annual Art Fair
2021, Jersey City Artist Studio Tour (JCAST)
2020, ABell Visuals Trap Art Exhibition
2019, Rutgers University Newark School of Science and Art Group Show
2019, Zinzani Studios, The Brightest Light is Black Art Show
2018, William Paterson University Student Art Show
2017, William Paterson University Student Art Show
2016, William Paterson University Student Art Show
2013, Passaic County Community College Student Art Show
2012, Passaic County Technical Institute Senior Art Exhibition
Commissions
Press
2019, City of Paterson Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park Mural
2017, City of Paterson Community Garden Mural
Alban, Rachel. “Artist Jonte Drew on Feeling like a ‘Black Sheep’ and the Power of Arts Education.” JerseyArts.com Features, JerseyArts.com Features, 5 Nov. 2021, https://jerseyartsfeatures.com/content/2021/11/5/jonte-drew-art-fair-14cs-resident-artist-on-feeling-like-a-black-sheep-and-the-power-of-arts-education.
Little, Courtney. “Jonte Drew Is Art Fair 14C’s Next Resident Artist.” Art House Productions, Inc., 23 June 2021, www.arthouseproductions.org/blogs/news/jonte-drew-14c-resident-artist.