About the Artist

Life is a canvas, Art is my imprint

Is the ethos artist Jason O’Brien lives by and it describes his commitment to leaving his mark in life with works of art that deliver messages of inspiration indelibly leaving his imprint on anyone who views it. Jason is Canadian born artist living in Toronto who is fascinated by telling a story without words and capturing the imagination of his viewers by exploring soulful, introspective themes of the human condition that celebrate love, spirituality, vulnerability, connectedness and the awesome resiliency of the human spirit. His work draws from Black-Afrocentric culture, literature, music, fashion and pop-culture translated through heroic subjects artfully presented to communicate his concepts. His work is produced using vibrant rich acrylic paints and mixed media on large canvas and he recently started to incorporate the power of digital tools to help enhance and produce his emotionally stunning works.

Jason’s work resides in many private collections around North America and over the past 20 years has been showcased publicly at local art auctions, gallery exhibitions, charity fundraisers around Toronto. His most popular painting “Rainbow” was recently featured on the book cover of acclaimed author Deidre Berry's “The Next Best Thing”(Amazon/Kindle) and most notably on the critically acclaimed dramatic TV series “Queen Sugar” - Season 1 (2016) produced by Oprah Winfrey and Ava DuVernay (OWN Network). Through his work he Jason invites viewers on a journey to examine his interpretations of what he believes make us “Beautifully Human” and it is his hope in his work you will see pieces of yourself reflected back.

Exhibits and Events

April 2018 International Multi-Art Event Project, Monaco
Sep 2011 DUO Presents – Do U Original, Twist Gallery, Toronto
Jul 2010 From The Soul, The R.O.M (Royal Ontario Museum), Toronto
Sep 2009 SHE, presented by JMK Art Collective, The Gladstone Hotel, Toronto
Jul 2009 Beyond The Rhythm, The R.O.M (Royal Ontario Museum), Toronto
Feb 2009 O‐NINE, presented by JMK Art Collective, Trane Studio, Toronto
Sep 2008 SIGNATURE, presented by JMK Art Collective, The Gladstone Hotel, Toronto
Jul 2008 Roots to Rhythm, The R.O.M (Royal Ontario Museum), Toronto
Nov 2007 INSPIRED, presented by JMK Art Collective, The Gladstone Hotel, Toronto
Jul 2007 MASK, Blue Dot Gallery, Toronto
Feb 2007 Artuary Art Show, Toronto

Nov 2006 Colour Blind, Toronto
Feb 2006 Artuary Art Show, Toronto
Jun 2003 Power of Expression Art Auction, Toronto; Acknowledged as a “Emerging Artist”
Nov 2002 Power of Expression Art Auction, Toronto
Jul 2001 “BLACK” the Bantu Art show, Toronto
Apr 2001 Power of Expression Art Auction, Toronto
Feb 2001 Human Rights Commission Through Art
Feb 2001 Society of African Canadian Artists (S.A.C.A.), Juried Exhibition, Toronto
Oct 2000 “The Love Within” Artistic Fund Raiser, Toronto
May 2000 “Power of Expression” Art Auction, Toronto
Oct 1999 Black Reel Awards, Toronto
May 1999 Power of Expression Art Auction, Toronto

Publications / Media

Sept 2016 - QUEEN SUGAR (TV Series) - “Rainbow” and “Black Cotton” have been featured on the set of the popular hit TV drama series Queen Sugar produced by Oprah Winfrey and Ava DeVernay. Since its appearance on television they have risen to great popularity and are sought after by art lovers everywhere to add to their collection.