Jon Michaelis was born in Ndola, a small town in Zambia. In 1984, shortly after graduating in Fine Arts (with Distinction in Painting) from Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa, he moved with his family to Israel.
Jon is a versatile and constantly evolving artist, his work infused with the energy, sensations and textures of his native Africa. Using varied materials, he portrays a range of subjects in both traditional and modern styles. Characterizing Jon’s art are vibrant color, innovative perception, and a remarkable ongoing dialogue between controlled intent and design combined with unusual materials and freedom of execution. His art explores the inner narrative of the subject. The portraits show the outer image, but simultaneously express the inner life and energy of the personality.
Jon uses pop culture and iconic imagery to reflect contemporary life and is constantly finding poetic ways to describe his very personal vision, reflecting the vibrancy, humor, and dynamism of life. Jon’s paintings and sculptures are displayed in numerous collections and galleries in Israel and worldwide.
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”