Artist based in Brooklyn, NY, United States
Ona'jé, portrait of the artist
Tell us about yourself, what's your background?
I am a Brooklyn-based artist, painting primarily in oils and working with themes of nostalgia, heritage, and memory. I don't remember the moment I chose to be an artist. However my late grandfather, whom my current practice revolves around, once caught me drawing a face when I was two; So I have taken that to be the moment I first began.
San Salvador (Columbus Landing), 2026, oil on canvas, 36 x 54 in
“I’m working with themes of nostalgia, heritage, and memory. . . My paintings pull from images from the past and present of the Caribbean to make dream-like vignettes. These images are grounded in historical research on the West Indies and delve into the complicated interactions between the African, indigenous, and European inhabitants.”
Bats, 2026, oil on canvas, 36 x 24 in
What are you currently working on and where did the inspiration for it come from?
I'm working on paintings that pull from images from the past and present of the Caribbean to make dream-like vignettes. These images are grounded in historical research on the West Indies and delve into the complicated interactions between the African, indigenous, and European inhabitants. I also reference photos from my time and family's time on the island.
Left: Juan (Be Happy), 2026, oil on canvas, 17 x 11 in. Right: Rapture, 2025, oil on canvas and wood from the studio of Iria Leino, 59.25 x 43.75 in
Innovation does not only happen in the field of technology — it occurs everyday in a creative practice. What do you do for inspiration?
I have a used book I found at the Strand called 90 Degrees of Shade which chronicles over 100 years of photographs from the Caribbean. These photos reveal poignant moments and themes from the islands, as well as beautiful color schemes and motifs to work with.
The Fisher, 2026, oil on canvas, 36 x 52 in
How do you make your work, does it start with a sketch?
My work typically derives from a photo taken by me, a relative, or from a historical archive. Before I start depicting the physical scene, I start off with chromatic abstract shapes and movements that can help set an atmosphere. As I develop the referenced scene, I integrate objects from other scenes to complicate the image.
Many artists live by their routines, what does that look like for you?
I often listen to jazz, romantic-era classical music, reggae, and 2000s R&B while I paint.
In the underpainting stage: Bats for Barbados (Blue) In the underpainting stage: Bats for Barbados (Yellow)
Who are your biggest influences?
I have been looking a lot at Kerry James Marshal, Firelei Báez, Annalee Davis, and Edouard Duval-Carrié for their reflections on Black and Caribbean heritage.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
A great artist told me to look at as much art as I can and try to find what all great artists are trying to do.
What is the best advice you would give to other artists?
Make a lot and see a lot of art.
Ona'jé , portrait by CJ Chavarria
Stay up to date with Ona'jé
Website onajegs.com
Instagram @grimmonds_studios
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