Jono’s works evoke elements of the Renaissance period while challenging the concepts of perception and sight. His practice inquires the manifestation of originality, authenticity, and presence. Jono Duran Pisano (b.1990) received his BFA degree in Fine Arts from Parsons The New School for Art and Design. Perhaps, his curiosity in studying comparisons of reality and images rest on his experience of moving from city to city since he was young. His works have been exhibited in the USA and Southeast Asia.

What are the usual themes in your work?

Originality, Authenticity, and Presence.

“Substitutes” but not always lesser than, so maybe “surrogate” is the more suitable term.

Tell us about your latest project/s or anything you are currently working on.

For several years now, appropriation has been a major element in my art-making. My latest body of work involved me isolating moments within photographs sourced from a single book.  These commissioned images depict a wide array of conditions, spanning several decades and cultures. Using the limits of the bound book, I construct new narratives by folding the pages onto each other. These new compositions distort their original context, at the same time highlighting its place within the book.

How do you study or research for a project?

In the realm of construction that mostly involves a lot of play, experimenting with the material. Also plenty of youtube tutorials, Google Arts and Culture is another incredible resource.

Books! These 3 are the ones I refer back to most.

The Story of Art, by E. H. Gombrich

Ways of Seeing, by John Berger

The Art Spirit, by Robert Henri

What are the processes involved in your art-making?

Once I’ve selected the images, I roughly finalized its composition. Then I draw this new arrangement in pencil, this is key to my process as it not only helps with establishing some sort of tonal harmony but also allows me the time to consider both its original context and its new possible reading.

When working for an exhibition, how do you know which work to include?

It feels instinctual but as you move through a body of work you begin to develop a language and certain pieces just have the right phrases or beats.

Name some of the artists who have influenced you in your practice.

Ideologically speaking I’ve read and resonated most with the works of German painter Gerhard Richter.

Painters

Daniel Richter; Peter Doig; Neo Roach; Eric Fischl; Michaël Borremans; Edward Hopper; Lucian Freud; Édouard Manet.

Non-painters

James Turrell; Gabriel Orozco; Cai Guo-Qiang.

 I’ve left out so many but these artists have influenced me most post-college.

Among your works, which of them could be called your favorites?

That’s tough to say… As soon as I'm done with a piece and begin dreaming up my next one, I can’t help but feel like this new piece will be my favorite. Rarely works out that way but it’s what I tell myself in order to maintain momentum.

Maybe “Unified by Obscurity"