Unique Urban Voice
Rodney Lee Jones Jr.                         

By Catiah Li

Maybe you have spotted Rodney Lee Jones Jr., on the Magnificent Mile, or perhaps you are yet to be exposed to this young artist and his eclectic ways.  But if you have seen him, you surely would not forget. Jones is usually shirtless, screaming, running, drumming, and making a racketing wave amongst crowds on the busy streets of Chicago. AFRIQUE recently took an inside look at this up and coming talent.

Portfolio: His colorful paintings have recently been displayed in the West Jackson Gallery, Gallery Efebos, and many others around town. Jones also plays regularly at popular live music venue The Note, with his band Nguzo.

Inspiration: “I am completely at home in my art. It is a process that binds me to the creative spirit of the universe, but also liberates me from the destructive systems and structures imposed on me by contemporary urban life,” Jones said, “Everyday I just want to throw paint on people, and shout words at passersby. But instead, I channel that energy into a thought provoking artistic creation.  In the moment of creation I achieve freedom.”

Style: Unique and spontaneous. He does not limit himself to any particular form of expression. His artistic scope includes words, songs, dance, drums, or anything that seems fit for the moment of his creative process.

Challenges: It is hard for many ethnic artists in the United States to achieve notoriety amongst the Caucasian, male dominated art world. “Growing up as an African man born in America, it has always seemed that something has been denied from me: my identity and sense of purpose,” explained Jones. But when I make things, from my soul, using my mind and body, it stirs something deep within my soul. The fire that I feel inside begins to cool a bit, and I can relax, breathe.”

For more information on the artist, please visit: myspace.com/nguzo or www.rodneyleejonesjr.com.