Jonathan Chamberlin Nigerian, b. 1995
Jonathan Chambalin harnesses painting as a therapeutic medium and a form of escapism. His artistic journey is rooted in his own struggles with survivor's guilt and the personal challenges he has experienced with his mental health. Chambalin’s creative process typically begins with small sketches, often created during challenging periods in his life. These initial visual expressions serve as poignant reference points. In his latest body of work, Chambalin presents himself as a futuristic character, projected onto the canvas through a holographic beam. Against the backdrop of surreal and isolated architectural settings, which he refers to "emotional spaces," Chambalin portrays himself as a futuristic entity who has weathered the trials and tribulations shared by others. He returns back to these spaces to reflect but also encourage others to persevere during these difficult times.
Chambalin is a graduate of the University of Benin and currently lives and works in Lagos.
He has exhibited at the `Re- Entanglement project with the university of London, the Cambridge museum, African artist foundation (AAF), Art Joburg and Bonn museum in Germany and Ghana . His work has also been featured in Elephant Magazine UK and BBC world service. He was recently trained by FACTVM foundation for digital technology in preservation and MOWAA (Museum of west African Art Edo).