Contact:
ojonnwakalo@gmail.com
5184955206
I explore the edges of form and how size, scale, space and material impact the viewers relationship to those borders and spaces of a physical object. I use the physicality of the paint and structure of the surface in order to emphasize the tensions that emerge from these border spaces.
Education:
Tyler School of Art and Architecture Temple University, Master of Fine Arts, May 2021
University of Albany, Bachelor of Fine Arts,GPA 3.7, Summa Cum Laude, December 2018
Hudson Valley Community College, Associate of Science, May 2016
Awards:
Roanne Kulakoff Award, based on portfolio merit, University of Albany, 2018
Painting and Drawing Award, based on merit, University of Albany, 2018
Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant, Byrdcliffe Artist-in Residence, 2024
Exhibition History:
Artists in Residence Show, Kleinert/James Center for the Arts 2025
Abstract Space: Regional Group show at Spring Street Gallery 2024
Group Show, Joyce Goldstein Gallery 2023
Roses are Red the Sky is Blue, I got my barrel at your Neck so WTF You Gonna Do? Solo show, Green Lodge 2023
Vox $99 Exhibition, 2022
WTF! Exhibition, Storefront 2022
Tyler School of Art and Architecture MFA Thesis Exhibition, 2021
Everything Must Go: Selected works from 2020 and 2021 Tyler School of Art MFA Graduates
Hudson Valley Community College Home Alone 2: Fine Arts Digital Media Alumni Exhibit 2020
Stella Elkins Gallery 2020: Distanced but closer Online Exhibition
Second Street Studios Hallway: Online Exhibition 2020
Art in Public Places Saratoga Arts 2019
Albany Black Arts and Cultural Festival 2018
University at Albany Fine Arts: Senior Exhibition 2017
Albany Black Arts and Cultural Festival 2017
Hudson Valley Community College Fine Arts: Student Exhibition 2016
Jobs:
Art Omi: May 2019- August 2020
I was a park guide assistant. I helped set up the shows, cleaned the artworks, and
installed the work.
Teachers Assistant: August 2019-December 2020
I assisted my professor in teaching the class. Also keeping up class maintenance.
Artists Assistant : June 2021
Artist assistant for Odili Donald Odita. I currently help make his paintings, while also attending to studio maintenance.
Experience:
Ualbany Museum Internship: Fall 2018
As an intern, I helped set up the Triple show, featuring the artists Tschabalala Self, Louis Fratino, and Alex Bradley Cohen. Along with this I also helped set up the Mohawk Hudson Regional. I helped hang the work, prime the walls, and clean the floor. Along with this, I was writing descriptions for the works.