Artist Jono Toh

Sep 23, 2024

We first met artist Jono Toh, who recently relocated from Hong Kong to Miami, at a Thanksgiving dinner party. We did not expect to fall head over heels for both his work and his personality the way we did. One look at Jono's striking large format paintings is all it takes to get people talking about what each piece 'is' - but good luck getting him to reveal any subject or idea! He prefers to let the viewer see what they see. His big, bright and bold geometric abstractions feature sharp lines, which - get this - he does by hand. Jono describes himself as an artist however, he likes to consider himself as a creative. He is a person who embraces all aspects of the creative process across many disciplines and this love of exploring and creating influences not only his work and its evolution but his daily life and the way he views everything around him. In other words, his perspective on the world is a lot of fun to be around! A former fashion designer, Jono is also a doting husband, a devoted dog dad, and a consummate cook who mixes a mean - and potent - margarita. Read on to get to know this emerging artist and might we suggest you snap a piece of his art up while you still can...

His 'Once Upon That Time' show at Muse Gallery, Istanbul

Jono Toh at home with his dog Max

His 'Once Upon That Time' show at Muse Gallery, Istanbul

Jono at his recent exhibition
'Once Upon That Time'

Jono's works on show
in Hong Kong

Reflections

From Fashion Designer to In Demand Artist

A moment that changed the trajectory of your career: I started painting as a form of escapism to pass the monotony during the Covid lockdowns. My work quickly spread through social media and caught the attention of collectors around the world as well as the gallery I am now represented by in Paris. This surprise reaction to my work inspired the change to give up my career in fashion design and focus on my art…and have never been happier!

Describe what it was it like to become a 'selling' artist: I still find it surreal that people around the world are collecting my work. I never thought that a side passion could become my full time focus and every time someone connects with my work on a level that they want to buy it and have it in their world is always just as exciting as the first time.

Discuss your process: My aesthetic is definitely influenced by my background in design. I am very conscious of composition, balance and proportion, creating movement from something stagnant and how the eye navigates the work…and then there is my approach to color theory which is always bright, bold with high contrast but always harmonious, welcoming and playful! The works always evolves from an initial idea or silhouette that has significance to me and I name the paintings based off the personal associations and narratives that I see in my work…but I never tell anyone what those are. It’s more important for me to hear what other people see and feel rather than talking about it myself.

Inspirations

Keep It Moving

Where do you find inspiration: As someone who is always looking at things through a creative lens and trying to understand the whats the hows and the whys, I am constantly observing things around me and taking photos or doodling on my phone so I don’t forget random ideas that pop into my head. I believe this perspective of the world allows for inspiration to flow from the most unlikely of places. Travel and experiencing different cultures, architecture, national costume etc. always provide new sources of inspiration as you’re looking at things through an inquisitive lens compared to sometimes having blinders on when you’re in your everyday, familiar environment.

What is coming up next for you: I’ve actually taken a little break from producing works while my husband and I get set up in Miami. This has really given me time to reflect on the works I’ve done and refine some ideas I’ve been working on for future works. Once my studio in Miami is up and running I will be focusing on exhibitions for the end of the year in Istanbul and Shanghai, and then the focus will be on my first time exhibiting in the US which will hopefully be sometime in the new year.

Jono's 2022 work 'Hungry'
in our co-founder
Lucia Tait Tolani's home

Jono at home with
his dog Max

Jono in front of his art

Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club, Miami

Samsen, Hong Kong

Around Town

City Spice to Seaside Cocktails

The Hong Kong meal you still crave: I am missing good Asian food SO badly! American Chinese just doesn’t cut it. I don’t know who General Tso was and I’m not even sure what a moo shu is. As much as I am loving exploring new Mexican and Spanish flavours I could kill for a great wonton noodle at Samdor Noodle, some spicy mala Sichuan from Twelve Flavours, Bangkok street food at Samsen or just a good traditional dim-sum - I’ll take anything right now.

Favorite landmark or building in Miami: My favorite building that so far is definitely the bar at Four Seasons Surf Club on North Miami beach. Aside from home it is my sanctuary away from all the madness in this city. This heritage building has been transformed into a chic oasis with indoor palm trees and warm textural finishes. And I love a good cocktail and the drinks are incredible. I love to go with my husband and our dog or with friends for an afternoon and watch the sun go down with a good martini…or four!

The last gift you received: I was recently given a vintage ceramic tiger by two dear friends who also happen to be the founders of Permanent Resident. Not only does this gift hold great sentimental value, the tiger itself is so fun and whimsical, almost comical like an ancient Chinese Cheshire Cat which I absolutely love and is very much my vibe! I love objects and art that just make you smile.

Home Sweet Home

Collectable Design and South China Sea Sunsets

The last item you purchased for your home: My husband and I recently bought a chair by architect and designer Jorge Zalszupin. I have been a massive fan of his work for a while and the Cubo Chair is one of his most iconic and unique silhouettes. We love the way he uses a repetitive pattern integrating the natural wood grains which elevate it from a simple piece of wood furniture to a work of art. We really value high quality craftsmanship and the way these pieces will age and evolve over time along with our lifestyle.

Favorite room at home: In Hong Kong was definitely my bedroom. The windows took up the whole corner of the room and there were uninterrupted views of Victoria Harbour, Kowloon Peak and the islands to the West - that added to the most incredible sunsets I’ve ever seen! I loved to wake up and just sit or read in bed looking at the view or unwind with a drink on the window ledge while the sun went down and the sky was set on fire in the most incredibly vivid colours! It was my escape from all the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong going on in the street behind my apartment so I felt very at peace there. My dog also loved it so I would have to wrestle him out of my spot sometimes too.