Nneka Jones is a Trinidadian-born multidisciplinary artist currently living and working in Tampa, Florida. Growing up in the Caribbean was one of the main factors that molded Jones into the artist she is today. Her astounding love for color and special attention to detail, as influenced by her culture, have always been prominent throughout her artistic journey.
Her contemporary practice explores portraiture and symbolism across multiple media such as fiber, textiles, mixed media, paint and even public art through large-scale murals. Jones produces thought-provoking artwork that comments on social and environmental injustice, strongly advocating for the protection and celebration of women and girls of color. These are often topics that, as a society, can be difficult to reflect on and often uncomfortable to address.
Since graduating from the University of Tampa in May 2020, Jones’ work has caught the eyes of art directors in top publications like TIME, where she was commissioned to produce the hand-embroidered flag that appears on the cover of the August 31/September 7, 2020 issue. She was also commissioned to produce cover illustrations for The Washington Post. Beyond the canvas, she has presented keynote speeches at Adobe MAX and The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), emphasizing the importance of art as a vehicle for activism.
Her unique hand embroidery work has been featured in the cover artwork for Marvel Studio’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Colossal magazine, The Jealous Curator blog, The American Craft Council, Embroidery Mag UK and Domestika. With permanent collections in the Disney Springs Art Walk, Florida CraftArt Gallery, Ferman Center for the Arts and the Tampa Museum of Art. Jones continues to broaden her professional practice and break barriers at an early stage in her career as an inspiration to other young aspiring artists.
How would you describe your work?
Much of my Caribbean background can be seen in the vibrant colors used within my small and large-scale pieces, and my aim is always to evoke emotion that drives positive change within our society.
What inspires you?
I am always inspired and intrigued by culture, people and storytelling.
We all come from many different backgrounds, but still have so many similarities. As an artist, I am inspired by my own experiences as well as others who are brave enough to tell their stories.
Where can we see your work?
For art lovers who prefer a gallery/museum setting, my work can be seen in the permanent collections at the Florida CraftArt Gallery, the Raymond James Financial World Famous Art Collection, Ferman Center for the Arts, and the Tampa Museum of Art. For public art lovers, my work can be seen in the SHINE Mural 2020 Festival lineup, The Gwen Miller Recreation Center, Donald McKay K-8 School in Boston and the Disney Springs Art Walk in Orlando, Florida.
ArtScape is curated by Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts: a proud partner of the Tampa Bay Times. To nominate a local artist for this monthly feature, contact 813-221-2787.