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Jeff Sonhouse
Born
Jeffrey T. Sonhouse

1968 (age 56–57)
New York City, New York, U.S.
Alma mater School of Visual Arts,
Hunter College Marshall University
Occupation painter

Jeff Sonhouse is an American painter born in 1968. He is famous for his unique portraits that often combine different materials. His art frequently explores what it means to be Black.

About Jeff Sonhouse

Sonhouse was born in 1968 in New York City, New York. He studied art at the School of Visual Arts, earning his first degree in 1998. Later, he continued his studies at Hunter College, where he received another degree in 2001.

His Painting Style

Jeff Sonhouse creates many portraits, especially of Black men. He uses his art to talk about identity. Sonhouse once said, "I paint the black male figure because it’s mine" and "That’s who I am."

His paintings are very detailed and creative. He often adds things like jeweled suits, fancy jewelry, and masks to his portraits. Sometimes, he even glues materials like glitter or beads onto the canvas. This way of combining different materials is called mixed media.

Some of his portraits show 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.

Art Exhibitions

In 2002, Sonhouse had his very first solo art show called Tailored Larceny. It was held 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 at the New-York Historical Society. It explored how modern artists think about history.

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

Where to See His Art

You can find Jeff Sonhouse's artwork in several public museums. His paintings are part of the collections at:

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