Over a decade ago, I met the artist JJ Manford and his artwork struck a chord with me.  One River School was still in its early days, and I had this idea that was centered around “Teaching Through the Lens of Living Artists”. I remember doing a studio visit with him in 2014 when JJ was just trying to get his career jump started and, in that moment, we developed a very real bond.

Over the next decade, we exhibited his work on four different occasions, I provided patron support and I watched JJ commit himself to an artistic practice that has allowed him to begin to get recognition as one of the most compelling contemporary painters of the moment. This week, in New York City, JJ’s work will be featured in a two-person exhibition with James Rosenquist at Harper’s Gallery and I couldn’t be prouder of him. It takes talent and massive commitment to cut through the clutter of the art world, and I have watched him put everything he has into improving his skills and his career.

Click here and check out featured artworks, and previous exhibitions that JJ has done with the Gallery. I am certain that he is someone you need to follow.