I would like to share my knowledge by applying it to my art. I use my work as a catalyst to encourage conversations around intersectional healing, growth, and advocacy.
Bio
Déja Jones, a self-taught Black/ Indigenous Creole from New Orleans, began their career at the intersection of advocacy and art. In 2017, they 1st showcased their interactive installation, Grandmama's House, at the New Orleans Art Center. Jones's introduction to the local art scene was a devoted love letter, made of multi-media sculptures and archival media, to the advocacy of southern Black communities during the Civil Rights Era. Since then, Jones has showcased artwork in Scotland, the U.K., New York, Louisiana, and Missouri. In 2023 they were selected to become a member of the artist-led exhibition space, The Front Gallery, where Jones often exhibits newly emerging projects. Jones's love for their community inspired them to explore community-focused projects further. In 2019, Jones collaborated with Imagine Water Works (IWW) for a climate justice symposium in NYC, titled "Art of Science/Science of Art". The event brought together artists, scientists, and engineers concerned about water management and climate change. Later on, they served as the Imagine Water Works Programs Coordinator, until 2024. Jones currently serves as a member of the IWW board. In 2020, Jones completed their fellowship with the New Orleans Youth Alliance and now works as a Youth Development Specialist with the Children and Youth Planning Board (CYPB), focusing on positive youth development within New Orleans through collaboration, art, and youth voice. Recently, Jones has launched a podcast in partnership with the CYPB and Be Loud Studios, called Youth Connections. It serves as a creative outlet and platform for local youth to share their experiences related to health and well-being, safety & justice, space & place, learning, and economic stability. Jones has found fulfillment in this space of creativity, collaboration, and advocacy in recent years and looks forward to the opportunity to grow alongside their community on their ancestral land for many years to come.
The Artist Statement
My practice is rooted in making connections between communities, objects, cultures, spirit, and governance. I pull from my lived experiences growing up in New Orleans communities of spiritual healers, Black educators, and BIPOC legacy builders. My community role is to organize movements and build objects and spaces that are sites of celebration, honor, healing, and revolution. The installations and archival spaces I create consist of sculptures and paintings made in my studio practice and are grounded in my advocacy and community organizing.
