Jônatas Chimen, or simply "Jônatas," is a Brazilian-American Symbolist artist, author, academic, and public speaker. His work explores personal and collective identity amidst an ever-changing cultural landscape. The artist's exploration of identity is often drawn from his own family's history of migration, adaptation, and cultural hybridization.
Jônatas' art is process-based, ranging in technique from traditional Spanish Realism to multimedia approaches in 2D, 3D, and Time-Based formats. Jônatas often makes use of pastiches of immigration documents, DNA exams, Inquisitional archives, and personal diaries. Overall, his message of embracing one's cultural identity and disclosing personal beliefs is a recurring theme in his art.
For the past 18 years Jônatas has been featured at biennials, museums, art galleries, and art auctions. Jônatas holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies from The University of Madison-Wisconsin, and a Master of Fine Arts Degree from Florida International University. Jônatas is the founder of Jada Art Movement.
Jônatas' art is process-based, ranging in technique from traditional Spanish Realism to multimedia approaches in 2D, 3D, and Time-Based formats. Jônatas often makes use of pastiches of immigration documents, DNA exams, Inquisitional archives, and personal diaries. Overall, his message of embracing one's cultural identity and disclosing personal beliefs is a recurring theme in his art.
For the past 18 years Jônatas has been featured at biennials, museums, art galleries, and art auctions. Jônatas holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies from The University of Madison-Wisconsin, and a Master of Fine Arts Degree from Florida International University. Jônatas is the founder of Jada Art Movement.
Sample Press Releases
Education
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, MIAMI, FL, USA
Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts. School of Art & Architecture, 2016
Thesis: In Thy Tent I Dwell, an interdisciplinary and multimedia installation at the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum. Miami, Florida, USA.
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON, MADISON, WI, USA
Bachelor of Arts in Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies, 2012
Publications
Books
2018 – The Innerverse. Immersive Art Miami. Print.
2016 – In Thy Tent I Dwell – An Immigrant's Home: From the Spanish Inquisition to Today. Published by Immersive Art Miami. Print.
2012 – El Libro Rojo. Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Print.
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
2018 -- Jonatas Chimen Dias DaSilva-Benayon, Pirkei Avot and In Thy Tent I Dwell. Protocols Journal Issue #4. Digital & Print.
2015 – Jonatas Chimen Dias DaSilva-Benayon, Understanding the Artistic Language of Conversos. JOSPIC-J, School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International University's School of International and Public Affairs. Print.
2014 – Jonatas Chimen Dias DaSilva-Benayon, The Spanish Law of Return: Between Traumas and Wonders. JOSPIC-J, School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International. Print.
2013 – Jonatas Chimen Dias DaSilva-Benayon, A Look into the Early History of the Sephardic Masonic Heritage. JOSPIC-J, School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International. Print.
2012 – Jonatas Chimen Dias DaSilva-Benayon, The Life and Death of a Marrano Dramatist from Colonial Brazil. JOSPIC-J, School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International. Print.
2011 – Jonatas Chimen Dias DaSilva-Benayon, Past and Present Reflections of the Sephardic Experience in the Caribbean. JOSPIC-J, School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International. Print.
2010 – Jonatas Chimen Dias DaSilva-Benayon, An Insight on How Artists May Achieve Financial Sustainability and Actively Participate in Society. Undergraduate Symposium at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Print.
2010 – Jonatas Chimen Dias DaSilva-Benayon, Returnees in Brazil in 2009-2010. JOSPIC-J, School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International. Print.
Review Articles
2010 – Jonatas Chimen Dias DaSilva-Benayon, Book Review on Discovering Your Sephardic Ancestors and Their World, by Jeffrey Malka. JOSPIC-J, School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International. Print.
Research Experience
2018 - Co-Editor of JOSPIC-J Research Journal. Professor Dr. Abraham Lavender. Florida International University.
2010 - 2017 – Research Journal Assistant of JOSPIC-J. Professor Dr. Abraham Lavender. Florida International University.
2010 – Research Assistant. Professor Leslie Nelson. University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Grants and Fellowships
2012 – 2013 – Jonathan Symon Fellowship, Florida International University
2009 - 2010 – Honor Society Phi Theta Kappa, Broward Community College
Awards
2015 – Artist of the Year, Anti-Defamation League
Guest Lecturer
2020 - “Critiques” Master of Fine Arts Department. Claremont Graduate University. Claremont, California, USA. February
2020 - "In Thy Tent I Dwell” Chicano Latino Student Affairs. Claremont College. Claremont, California, USA. February
2018 - “A Paradigm Shift Through Art” at the Visual Arts Press Awards. Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. June.
2018 - “Stream of Consciousness Action Drawing.” Kspace. Aventura, Florida, USA. May
2018 - “A Hidden Heritage.” Rimon Art Salon. Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. April
2018 - “The Metanarratives of Jonatas Chimen.” Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. April
2018 - “Talk on In Thy Tent I Dwell.” The Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center. Tucson, Arizona, USA. April.
2018 - “Returning Home.” Tess Hyams Museum. Roslyn Heights, New Jersey, USA. March
2018 - “The Travelling Paper.” Kulanu Artist-in-Residence. Newark, New York, USA. February.
2018 - “Art Talk.” The Art Museum of Temple Emeth. Teaneck, New Jersey, USA. June.
2018 - “The Innerverse Book Release Talk.” Emanu-El Exhibit. Staten Island, New York, USA. January.
2018 - “Lecture on the Paper Collection.” Harriet Bograd Residence. Manhattan, New York, USA. January.
2018 - “The Monotype Collage Collection.” Kulanu Artist & Scholar-in-Residence. South Orange, New Jersey, USA. January.
2017 - “The Artistic Language of Crypto-Jews”. Conney Conference. University of Wisconsin-Madison. April.
2016 - “Dum Spiro Spero (While I Breath I Hope).” The School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International University. Miami, Florida, USA. April.
2015 - “Dispelling Narratives” Emanu-El Exhibit. Miami Beach, Florida. USA. February.
2015 - “Identity Narrative: Displacement, Memory, and Legacy.” Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies. Miami, Florida, USA. June
2015 - “The Journey.” The Anti-Defamation League. Boynton Beach, Florida, USA. October.
2011 – “The Lost Sephardim and Their Return.” Olin Sang Rui Institute. Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, USA. June.
Conferences
Panels Organized
2018 - “Inside Out.” United Nations Headquarters. New York City, New York, USA. April.
2016 - “Why the Rapid Increase of Interest on the Sephardim?” JMOF at Florida International University. Miami Beach, Florida, USA. April.
2012 - “Enrique's Journey (book by Sonia Nasario).” University of Wisconsin-Madison. Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
2007 - "The Return.” Conference at Shaarei Shalom. Boynton Beach, Florida, USA.
2004 - “Black and Brown College Bound.” Broward College. Tampa Convention Center. Tampa, Florida, USA.
Solo Art Exhibits
2020, Installation, In Thy Tent I Dwell 15th Manifestation, Claremont College, Claremont, California, USA
2018, Installation, 5 Madonnas in Exile (or, The Refugee Cathedral of the Ascending Bull, Broward College, Pembroke Pines, Florida, USA
2018, Performance, Stream of Conscience Action Drawing, Kspace Exhibit Space, Aventura, Florida, USA
2018, Installation, In Thy Tent I Dwell 14th Manifestation, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
2018, Two-Dimensional, The Collage Collection, The Jewish Museum and Holocaust Center, Tucson, Arizona, USA
2018, Installation, In Thy Tent I Dwell 13th Manifestation, Tess Hyams Museum, Roslyn Heights, New Jersey, New York, USA
2018, The Traveling Paper Collection, Newark, New York, USA
2018, Installation, In Thy Tent I Dwell 12th Manifestation, Emeth Art Museum, Teaneck, New Jersey, USA
2018, The Paper Collection, Harriet Bograd Art Space, Manhattan, New York, USA
2018, The Monotype Collage Collection, Kulanu Exhibit, South Orange, New Jersey, USA
2017, The Baba Yaga Collection, Osme Space Miami Art Week, Wynwood Miami, Florida, USA
2016, Anniversary of Permanent Collection, The Spine Center, Hollywood, Florida, USA
2016, Dum Spiro Spero, Art Gallery at the School of International and Public Affairs, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
2016, A Painter and a Ballerina part II, San Paul Art Gallery, Wynwood Miami, Florida, USA
2016, A Painter and a Ballerina part I, San Paul Art Gallery, Wynwood Miami, Florida, USA
2016, In Thy Tent I Dwell Installation, The Jewish Museum of Florida, Miami, Florida, USA
2016, The Visual Narrative on the Wandering Sephardi, Art Space at Temple Moses, Miami, Florida, USA
2016, Performance, San Paul Art Gallery, Wynwood Miami, Florida, USA
2016, The Journey Series, JMOF Museum, Florida International University, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
2016, Flamenco Sephardit, Emanu-El Art Gallery, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
2015, I Am Diaspora, Miami Art Week, Emanu-El Art Gallery, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
2015, Artist of the Year Exhibit – Journey: A Visual Narrative, The Anti-Defamation League, Boyton Beach, Florida, USA
2015, Multimedia Exhibit, SCJS Conference, Miami, Florida, USA
2015, The White Party, Emanu-El Art Gallery, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
2012, Multimedia Art Collection, Art Space at Orpheum Theaters, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
2012, Seraphine, Yahara Bay Art Gallery, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
2012, Social Justice, The Pyle Center Exhibit, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
2012, Multi Collection Exhibit, The Barbara Hochberg Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
2009, Shawl Exhibit, Jonny Del’Art Gallery, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
2009, Shawls, Art Expo NY, New York, New York, USA
2008, Multimedia Exhibit, Jonny Del’Art Gallery, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
2008, Origins, Jonny Del’Art Gallery, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
2005, Textile in Oil Serie, The Art Studio Gallery, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
2005, The Original Collection, Art Space Gaucho, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA
2005, Marionets, The Art Studio Gallery, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
Group Art Exhibits
2019, JADA Art Fair, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
2018, Inside Out, United Nations Headquarter, New York City, New York, USA
2018, For She is Queen, Saphira & Ventura, New York City, New York, USA
2017, Wandering Masters Art Salon, Immersive Art Miami, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
2017, Made by Slaves, Miami Art Week, Casa Mundo Miami Gallery, Miami, Florida, USA
2017, Miami River Art Fair, Miami Art Week, Miami Convention Center, Miami, Florida, USA
2017, The Art Salon: The Naked Eye - Miami River Art Fair, Oakland Park, Florida, USA
2017, The Jerusalem International Biennial, Jerusalem, Israel
2016, San Paul Art Gallery, Miami Art Week, Miami, Florida, USA
2016, Superfine! Art Fair, Miami Art Week, Miami, Florida, USA
2016, Individuality, Icon Bay Art Exhibit, Miami, Florida, USA
2016, In Thy Tent I Dwell, The Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum, Miami, Florida, USA
2015, “13”, The Laundromat Art Space, Miami, Florida, USA
2014, Art Auction, St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala , Downtown Miami, Florida, USA
2013, Processing Identity, Miami Beach Urban Studios, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
2012, Masonic Art, Yahara Bay Art Gallery, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
2012, Raw Artists, Majestic Theater Art Exhibit, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
2012, Enrique's Journey: A Visual Response Show, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
2011, Undergraduate Research Symposium, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
2010, Art Auction, East Boca Chabad, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
2009, Gallery 51, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
2009, Art Expo NY, New York, New York, USA
2008, Art Auction, Leslie Opera Center, Las Olas, Florida, USA
2007, Gallery 22, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
2007, The Gardens Memorial, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
2006, Le Salon Des Refuses, The Paradox of Affluence, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
2005, Genesis Art Gallery, Las Olas, Florida, USA
2004, Annual Student Group Exhibit, The Art Institute of Weston, Weston, Florida, USA
2003, Annual Student Group Exhibit, The Art Institute of Weston, Weston, Florida, USA
2002, Annual Student Group Exhibit, The Art Institute of Weston, Weston, Florida, USA
2001, Annual Student Group Exhibit, The Art Institute of Weston, Weston, Florida, USA
Artist-in-Residence Programs
2020, McAllister Center & LatinX Department. Claremont College, Claremont, California, USA
2019, JADA Art Program, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
2018, Rimon Art Salon, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
2018, The Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center, Tucson, Arizona, USA
2018, Tess Hyams Museum, Roslyn Heights, New Jersey, USA
2018, The Art Museum of Temple Emeth, Teaneck, New Jersey, USA
2018, Emanu-El, Staten Island, New York, USA
2018, Kulanu, South Orange, New Jersey, USA
2012, The Anthropocene, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
2011, Olin Sang Rui Institute, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, USA
Press Appearances
2018 - Yahoo Finance. Digital.
2018 - Arizona Jewish Post. Print.
2018 - The American Jewish World. Digital.
2018 - St. Thomas University Press. Print.
2018 - University of Wisconsin-Madison LACIS Blog. Digital.
2018 - Boston Business Journal. Digital.
2018 - L.A. Biz. Digital.
2018 - Sun Sentinel. Print.
2016 – Acontece Magazine Art Basel Edition. Print.
2016 – Banzai. Print.
2016 – Inspicio. Print.
2016 – Shalom Israel. Radio.
2015 – NNPTV. Television.
2015 – NPR. Radio.
2015 – WLRN – Radio
2015 – Boca Magazine. Print.
2014 – Venue Magazine. Print.
2013 – NBC6 South Florida - 6 in the Mix. Television.
2012 – NBC6 South Florida - 6 in the Mix. Television.
2012 – Wisconsin State Journal. Print.
2012 – Bloomberg Business Week. Online.
2012 – The Wall Street Journal (Market Watch). Online.
2012 – South Florida Opulence Magazine. Print.
2011 – The Voice Magazine. Print.
2011 – Tapestry Newsletter. Print.
2009 – Parklander Magazine. Print.
2009 – The Boca Raton Observer Magazine. Print.
2008 – Brazilian People Magazine. Print.
2007 – Linha Aberta Magazine. Print.
2007 – Boca Raton Magazine. Print.
2006 – Linha Aberta Magazine. Print.
2006 – Gazeta Brazil Newspaper. Print.
2006 – Boca Raton News Newspaper. Print.
2006 – Leila Cordeiro – Direto da Redacao. Television.
2006 – Cafe da Manha with Leila Cordeiro – TVBrasil. Television.
2006 – Vinheta Art & Gourmet with Chef Henrique – RIT TV USA . Television.
Fundraisers
Federacion Sefardita de Latino America
The Anti-Defamation League of Florida
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital
Rotary Club
MECE - Early Childhood Education
The Boca Raton Museum of Art
The Children's Home Society
The American Cancer Society
