SCULPTURE LIKE 3-D ACRYLIC ON CANVAS TORONTO, CANADA / NASSAU, BAHAMAS Jonah Waterous, born in Canada in 1996, was raised in the Bahamas, where he continues to live and create from his studio. Jonah attended Queen's University, where he earned a degree in Sociology. It was during his time at university that Jonah began working closely with his mother, the world-renowned artist Jane Waterous. As her protégé, he immersed himself in every aspect of the creative process, eventually branching out to develop his own distinctive style, which he calls “dotilism.” Dotilism involves the meticulous hand-painting of thousands of three-dimensional dots onto the canvas, creating lifelike textures and an illusion of movement as light interacts with the seemingly endless array of colors. Jonah’s work is deeply inspired by his childhood in the Bahamas, where he became an accomplished free-diver and scuba diver, fostering a close connection with nature. This connection is vividly expressed in his breakout series, the “Swarm” collection, which highlights the intricate details of the natural world and the power of dotilism. In this series, Jonah focuses on the smallest of living creatures, bringing them to life in a way that is both grand and intimate. His pieces like “Lovebug,” “My Lady,” and “Honey” magnify these minuscule insects, using over 200,000 dots per piece to create a texture that makes them appear larger than life. Through dotilism, Jonah transforms these tiny beings into vibrant, dynamic works of art that transcend the bounds of nature. Jonah’s second series, “Love Notes,” delves into multimedia, drawing inspiration from his deep connections to home, family, and friends. These works feature his signature dots forming hearts that blanket the canvas, each surrounding a handwritten message of love. By infusing the traditional love letter with immense texture and color, Jonah amplifies the sentiments of endearment, creating a tactile and emotional experience that resonates deeply with viewers. His latest sculpture series takes a playful yet profound approach to exploring the extremes of human potential. Jonah is fascinated by the way humans push beyond natural instincts, whether by strapping themselves to rockets, racing motorbikes at 200 mph, or diving to the ocean’s deepest depths. His sculptures depict characters adorned with helmets, symbolic of the tools we use to challenge our physical limits. Through the use of color and mirrors, Jonah invites the viewer to see themselves in these characters, encouraging them to explore their own potential and perhaps inspire their own evolution. Jonah Waterous’ work is a celebration of life’s smallest details, the power of love, and the endless possibilities of human potential. His art not only captivates with its vibrant colors and intricate textures but also challenges us to see the world—and ourselves—in new and transformative ways.