About the Artist

Jason O'Brien

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 O'Brien is a Canadian born artist living in Toronto who explores soulful, introspective themes of the human condition that celebrate love, spirituality, strength, vulnerability, connectedness and the awesome resiliency of the human spirit. Jasons' work are a collection of his personal thoughts and aspirations that draw narratives from Black-Afro-Carribbean culture, literature, music, fashion and pop-culture translated through heroic subjects artfully presented to communicate his concepts through the lens of the Black experience. His work is produced on large gallery canvas using rich vibrant acrylic paints and now he applies those same traditional skills to harnesses the power of digital working directly from his iPad to create original emotionally stunning works. Jason invites viewers to delve deep in to his work and hopes they will be inspired by his messages and most importantly, that they will see pieces of themselves reflected back. 

​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). 

jason artist

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.