Engage in a profound dialogue with John Toms, and you’ll discover an artist whose life embodies wisdom and a profound commitment to love, family, and community. Through his unique expressions in paintings, upcycled paper mache sculptures, and Dimenjohn (John's Dimensional living art), he has crafted a distinctive narrative of self-expression.
At the age of 17, John defied the odds, emerging as one of the few individuals from his neighborhood to have ever been selected to attend the Colorado Institute of Art. His journey took a transformative turn with an intensive study at the European Institute of Commercial and Fine Art, where he traversed Europe in the mid-70s, navigating the cultural landscape as a young black man from Denver.
Themes in his work seamlessly transition from the vibrant streets of the "hood" to the bebop jazz scene, evolving into the realms of sensual surrealism. John's artistic style is entirely his own, drawing inspiration from his influences while defending his originality through a masterful technique that delves into the corridors of abstraction and incorporates textiles to carve a niche in the world of musicians and music enthusiasts.
Although John held his first exhibition in 1979, it was in the early '90s, coinciding with his move from Denver to be part of Atlanta's Black Renaissance, that his work gained significant recognition. This period also marked the development of his unique Dimenjohn style, often referred to as 3D art.
His creations have garnered acclaim from celebrities and esteemed art collectors, including George Duke, Annie Lee, Isaac Bruce, Roy Ayers, Tom Joyner, Queen Latifah, and more. His artwork has graced numerous festivals, books, CD covers, and exhibitions, such as Annie Lee's Art Shows in Chicago, Las Vegas, and Dallas, BET Comic View in Atlanta, B.B. King's Life Story CD-Rom covers, MCA Black Music Month, and various prestigious museums and venues.
With almost 50 years of refined skills and a vast body of work, John Toms feels as though he is hitting his stride, drawing inspiration from a lifetime of experiences.
