Jeff Sonhouse facts for kids

Jeff Sonhouse is an American painter born in 1968. He is well-known for his unique portraits that explore Black identity. He uses many different materials in his art, not just paint.

About Jeff Sonhouse

Early Life and Education

Jeff Sonhouse was born in 1968 in New York City, New York. He studied art at the School of Visual Arts, where he earned a special degree in 1998. Later, he continued his studies at Hunter College, getting another advanced degree in 2001.

His Unique Painting Style

Sonhouse paints portraits, often focusing on Black men. He has said, "I paint the black male figure because it’s mine" and "That’s who I am." This shows how personal his art is to him.

His paintings are very detailed and often include special additions. You might see figures wearing jeweled suits or fancy jewelry. Sometimes, he even adds masks to his portraits. Sonhouse uses a technique called mixed media. This means he glues different materials onto the canvas, like glitter or beads. This makes his artwork stand out.

Some of his portraits are of important political figures. Others are inspired by old jazz record covers. For example, his painting The Son of the Hypocrite (2008) connects to African history and culture.

Exhibitions and Collections

In 2002, Jeff Sonhouse had his very first solo art show. It was called Tailored Larceny and took place at the Kustera Tilton Gallery. His art was also part of a big group exhibition in 2006. This show, called Legacies: Contemporary Artists Reflect on Slavery, was held at the New-York Historical Society.

His paintings are now part of important museum collections. You can find his work at places like the Studio Museum in Harlem, the Nasher Museum of Art, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the Rubell Museum.

In 2010, Sonhouse had his first solo exhibition in Los Angeles, California. This show was at the Martha Otero gallery and was titled Better Off Dead, Said the Landlord.