Jonathan Harris (b. 1988) is a visual artist who was born and raised in the city of Detroit. After attending the Detroit School for the Fine and Performing Arts, he attended Henry Ford Community College and Oakland University, where he majored in Graphic Design and minored in Studio Art. Oil paints, acrylics, and charcoal are his media of choice. He has become known for and perfected an oil enamel technique resulting in graphic, high contrast portraits without the use of a brush. Jonathan's work is emotive, with a focus on current events and the African American experience. Bringing awareness to social and world issues, in addition to instilling pride into the black community, are goals that he strives to accomplish through his visual and curatorial work. Harris and his work have recently been featured extensively in the press, including on PBS’ American Black Journal, PBS One Detroit, CBS Local and in the Detroit Free Press, Michigan Chronicle and Oakland University Post. One of the artist’s latest paintings, Critical Race Theory, created in response to recent controversy over the same subject matter, has garnered responses and sparked conversation across social media platforms around the world.

 

Harris’ art currently resides in prominent collections, including the collections of N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Arts, Judge and Linda Whitaker, and State Representative, Shri Thanedar. He served as a judge for Canvas Pontiac 2022 and his work has been exhibited during special programs at the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Pontiac Art Jam showcase, and in group exhibitions at Irwin House Gallery where he has curated events and exhibitions, Swords and Plowshares, and at Beacon Park for the BONDED exhibit which he presented and curated along with a team of distinguished Detroit arts professionals.