JonOne

JonOne, whose real name is John Andrew Perello, is an American graffiti artist born in 1963 in Harlem, New York. His parents, originally from the Dominican Republic, raised him in a neighborhood where cultural diversity and the rise of graffiti shaped his childhood. JonOne began tagging his name “Jon156” on the walls and subway trains of New York, drawing inspiration from the vibrant energy of the 1980s graffiti scene.

In 1984, JonOne founded the collective 156 All Starz alongside artists such as Rac7 and Kyle. This collective became a talent incubator, attracting iconic artists like
Lady K, Psyckoze, and Nasty. Together, they pushed the boundaries of graffiti, transforming this art form into a true graphic revolution. JonOne distinguished himself with his unique style of abstract expressionism, characterized by dynamic multicolored compositions and gestural brushstrokes that capture movement.

In 1987, a decisive meeting with the French artist Bando led JonOne to settle in Paris, where he continued to develop his art on canvas while maintaining the raw energy of his street works. His exhibitions at prestigious venues such as the Palais de Tokyo and the Grand Palais in Paris, as well as collaborations with renowned brands like Air France, Lacoste, and Guerlain, have strengthened his international reputation. At Santa Giulia, if you look closely, you might find his signature on one of our walls…

JonOne doesn’t just create works of art; he is also committed to social causes. In 2011, he collaborated with the Abbé Pierre Foundation to create a monumental mural in Paris, and in 2015, he was honored as a Knight of the Legion of Honor for his artistic and social contributions. His work continues to inspire and influence the new generation of urban artists, and he remains a pillar of modern graffiti and contemporary artistic expression.

For more information about JonOne and to discover his works, you can visit JonOne’s official website and his instagram.