b. 1990, United States
Jon Key’s paintings feature his own likeness as a contorted black man in a variety of poses against green, black, violet and red backgrounds. The colors render the figure flamboyant and provocative while the tight framing stifles his freedom. Key limits his palette to these four colors to acknowledge his Southern roots, his Blackness, his Queerness and his family. In other recent works, he has introduced other members of his family including his twin brother, parents and grandparents.