Born of the Boroughs, JO Jerusalem was raised by New York City – a parentage that gave him grit, graffiti, and a gallery of his own. He walked into the restaurant wearing a Louis Vuitton cowboy hat, and the room fell silent. My first meeting with JO Jerusalem was, if I’m honest, a little intimidating. He radiated cool, carrying himself with the kind of bold confidence that comes from street smarts and hard knocks, beneath the swagger is an artist with surprising depth – JO is a contemporary creative whose work transcends boundaries, mediums, and stereotypes.
Known for his dynamic style and colourful vision, JO has collaborated with major international brands, and he frequently performs live art shows at exclusive events across the globe. “I did a piece for Lamborghini,” says JO, “which is installed at their Bologna headquarters in Italy – that’s one I’m especially proud of, but I’ve only just scratched the surface.”
From SoHo lofts to Dubai penthouses, JO’s work hangs in the homes of some seriously high-profile clientele. He’s attracted commissions from the likes of Mark Wahlberg, 50 Cent, Floyd Mayweather, and Jason Momoa – his list of admirers reads like a who’s who of pop culture, with his fans appreciating both his energy and his edge.
Working in a variety of mediums, with acrylic spray paint as a signature, JO’s artistic visions are often on a grand scale and his ideas refuse to be contained. “This year I started working with large sculptures too, and that’s been really fun,” says JO. Eschewing galleries and formal representation, JO’s work often sells for six figures — a testament to his reach and resonance.
Art, for JO, is more than expression. It’s escape, survival, and salvation. He found art in extraordinary and challenging circumstances. His is a story of resilience and self-transformation, which has fuelled his drive and purpose: “I was a single father, living and working in a one-bedroom apartment,” explains JO. “I still don’t feel like I’ve made it, but with each new piece sold comes another defining moment in my life. I painted through the pressure.”
And he’s not slowing down. Like the city he calls home — the one that famously never sleeps — JO burns the candle at both ends. “I’m up with the sun and often working into the small hours,” he says. “When creativity grabs hold, I can be locked in the studio till 4am.”
As an advocate for youth support services and passionate about using his platform for purpose, JO is dedicated to giving back. Art 4 The Heart, a non-profit entity founded by JO, helps serve underfunded public schools throughout New York City. Personally donating art supplies, and facilitating art workshops and experiences, JO strives to lead the next generation of young creatives and show them how art can be both an inspiration and an outlet.
With more luxury brand collabs on the horizon and private collectors lining up, JO is poised to take the contemporary art world by storm. With impact that resonates far beyond the canvas, one thing’s for sure: He’ll make you look.
