We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jesno Jackson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jesno below.
Hi Jesno, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience likely stems from a combination of factors, including my passion for ART, my academic and professional achievements, and my experiences navigating diverse cultural and professional landscapes.
My unwavering dedication to art and culture, evident in my pursuit of advanced degrees and ongoing research, suggests a deep-seated commitment to my craft. Additionally, my extensive career spanning multiple continents indicates a willingness to adapt and thrive in various environments, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges and change.
Furthermore, my ability to contribute meaningfully to prestigious magazines across the globe implies a strong sense of determination and perseverance, qualities that are often cultivated through years of hard work and dedication. Overall, my resilience likely arises from a combination of passion, perseverance, and adaptability, which have enabled me to overcome obstacles and achieve success in her field.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Jesno Jackson is a multifaceted individual with a rich background in the arts, education, and entrepreneurship. Here’s a summary of my profile:
Career Progression: I have transitioned from being an artist and art educator to becoming a prominent curator and gallery founder. My journey has been guided by my passion for art and supported by figures like Rengi Cherian, the co-founder of Art4you Gallery.
Curatorial Expertise: With almost a decade of experience as a curator, I have curated over 224 art exhibitions. I always have a keen eye for identifying talent, particularly among self-taught artisans, and has a knack for distinguishing between amateurish work and untapped potential.
Entrepreneurship and Women Empowerment: I am not only a successful entrepreneur as the founder of Art4you Gallery but also a women empowerment speaker. I actively work towards uplifting women in my community by helping them recognize their worth and achieve their goals through creativity and skill.
Educational Background: I hold a BFA from the Navabharath Educational Research Foundation and an MVA from Bangalore University’s Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath College of Fine Arts. I have also completed courses at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London and received accreditation from MoMA Modern Art.
Artistic Style: My artistic style is characterized by vibrant colors and a focus on everyday themes such as love, music, friendship, and diversity. While I have worked extensively in figurative and cubism-centric artworks, I have recently shifted my focus to non-representational coffee paintings too.
Recognition and Influence: My work has garnered recognition globally, with interviews and features in numerous newspapers, magazines, and television channels. I have influenced many artists and contributed significantly to the art community, particularly in the UAE, where I am currently settled in Dubai.
Teaching and Engagement: I employ innovative teaching techniques to impart my love for painting to both children and adults. I have actively participated in regional, national, and international art exhibitions and competitions, winning accolades for my work.
Achievements and Honors: My illustrious career in the arts has been adorned with numerous achievements and awards, spanning national and international recognition. Notable accolades include the UAE Women Achiever’s Award for Best Artpreneur 2024, the Master Excellence International Award by the United Nations of Arts & Science in 2024, and the JIJAU MAASAHEB International Proud Womania Award in the same year.
My contributions have been acknowledged by prestigious organizations such as the United Nations, receiving the UN Environmental Programme’s recognition for promoting sustainability and nature in 2023. I have been a beacon of inspiration, winning awards such as the Educator of the Year Award in 2022 and the Narishakti Awards in the same year, showcasing my dedication to both her craft and the community. My talent has garnered global acclaim, with my artwork being selected for exhibitions and competitions worldwide, including the Silk Road International Art Exhibition in China and the International Watercolor Biennales in Vietnam and Malaysia. With my passion, talent, and commitment to social change, I still continue to leave an indelible mark on the art world, inspiring others with my creativity and achievements.
Art Writer: I am an accomplished art and sustainability writer, possesses a profound passion for articulating the nuances of art and culture, supported by degrees in Fine Art and Visual Arts. With a background in Contemporary Art from Sotheby’s in London and ongoing doctoral research in Fine Arts, specializing in Art History, Education, and Design Practice I have left an indelible mark on the global art scene through my contributions to prestigious magazines across continents, including the USA, UAE, Paris, Italy, London, and India.
Overall, I am a dynamic figure in the world of art, education, and entrepreneurship, with a strong commitment to empowering women and enriching the art community.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My three most important qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge are:
Artistic Vision and Creativity: My ability to conceptualize innovative ideas, experiment with various mediums, and convey powerful messages through my artwork demonstrates my strong artistic vision and creativity. This quality allows me to create engaging and thought-provoking pieces that resonate with viewers.
Curatorial Expertise: With extensive experience as an art curator, I possess a deep understanding of art curation, exhibition planning, and artist management. My expertise in discerning talent, organizing exhibitions, and promoting artists’ work highlights my skills in curatorial practice, contributing to the success of Art4you Gallery and other art initiatives.
Advocacy and Empowerment: My commitment to women’s empowerment, environmental sustainability, and social change underscores my dedication to advocacy. Through my art, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, I actively promote inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and social justice, demonstrating my leadership in driving positive change within my community and beyond.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was provide unwavering support and encouragement in nurturing my artistic talents. My mom served as a constant source of inspiration, guiding me in improving my skills and participating in competitions from a young age. She was always there to motivate me and foster my passion for art, drawing, and painting. Meanwhile, my dad played a crucial role as my backbone, supporting my artistic endeavors by providing art materials from abroad and consistently acknowledging and celebrating my creativity. My mom’s dedication and hard work served as a role model for me, inspiring me to become a speaker and leader in my own right. Their combined support and belief in my abilities laid the foundation for my growth and success as an artist and individual.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.art4yougallery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesnojackson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jesnojackson
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesnojackson/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/jesnojackson
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjbs8gQ55jxDPQrOOYb8sxA
- Other: https://jesnojackson.wixsite.com/jesnojackson/biography
Image Credits
Photo Credit – Self / DXB24Live / Moji John