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Nneka Jones

Artist Biography

Nneka Jones is a Trinidadian-born multidisciplinary artist whose work explores identity, activism, and social justice through innovative use of embroidery and mixed media. Raised in Port of Spain and currently based in Tampa, Florida, Jones brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to her art, often blending traditional techniques with bold conceptual themes. Her practice is rooted in addressing issues surrounding race, gender, and systemic oppression, particularly focusing on the experiences of women and girls of color. Jones first gained public recognition while still a student, earning early awards and exhibitions that showcased her striking use of hand embroidery on unconventional surfaces. Her powerful “Target” series, which depicts young women with embroidered circles over their faces, speaks to the objectification and exploitation of marginalized bodies. She often incorporates everyday objects—such as condoms or found materials—into her work to provoke conversations around sexual violence, identity, and power. Her meticulously crafted portraits, layered with meaning and texture, have earned her national attention and placement in prominent public and private collections. Jones’s work challenges the viewer to look deeper, to feel the discomfort of truth, and to acknowledge the beauty and strength in the stories often left untold. As both a visual storyteller and cultural advocate, she continues to redefine the boundaries of fiber art and contemporary portraiture.

Statement

Artist Statement

My work explores the interplay between vulnerability and resilience through portraiture that is both visual and visceral. I use mixed media—primarily hand embroidery, paint, and repurposed materials—to reclaim narratives of Black girls and women, highlighting issues like sexual abuse, human trafficking, and systemic erasure.

Each needle stitch is deliberate—a slow act of resistance and remembrance. In my signature “Target” series, concentric circles reminiscent of shooting-range bullseyes are stitched over faces, symbolizing how girls of color are marginalized by society. As my work evolved, these symbols transformed into affirmations—messages of empowerment, healing, and reclamation.


I respond to the invitation to “paint without paint” by stitching thick thread, yarn, and fabric to create the illusion of hyperrealistic features—layer upon layer, color upon color. My process is laborious, deliberate, and deeply connected to the shoulders I stand on. It mirrors the long journey toward justice that so many endure.
 

I am an activist artist. My portraits are confrontational yet tender—they demand visibility, evoke empathy, and honor stories too often silenced.
 

— Nneka Jones

Jennia - Exhibitions

Artist Exhibitions

Jennia - Works Available

Works Available

Nneka
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nneka jones
Jennia - Press

Press

IN THE PAINT — Artist Spotlight
Jennia Fredrique Aponte

Jennia Fredrique Aponte, an artist from Gary, Indiana, pays homage to Black dancers and forgotten icons through intricate paper mosaics. Using rare, recycled, and handmade paper collected from her travels, Jennia crafts each piece to honor ancestors and envisions a future of inclusivity and joy.

Sol Aponte And Jennia Fredrique Seek To Amplify Voices In Black Art

Led by the husband-and-wife duo, Art Melanated is making a way for creatives of color—one exhibition at a time.

Meet the Husband and Wife Duo Shaking Up the Art World

Sol and Jennia Aponte are diversifying the overwhelmingly white art world by hosting traveling exhibitions of work by Black artists, thereby creating a new paradigm.

Jennia - Events

Events

Butter

International Debut

Meet us in Paris. We’re excited to announce that Art Melanated is making its international debut at the 10th anniversary of AKAA (Also Known As Africa) @akaa_fair Art Fair this October in Paris. As the only U.S. gallery selected to exhibit, we’re bringing the brilliance of our community to the global stage—and spotlighting a very special artist. Jennia Fredrique Aponte @jenniafredrique will present her first solo international exhibition, debuting her breathtaking new series: Clockwork Academy: School for Girls. Set in an alternate 1888, this visionary body of work reimagines Black girlhood at the height of the Industrial Revolution—where invention becomes identity, and sisterhood becomes power. 📍 AKAA Art Fair – Carreau du Temple, Paris 🗓 October 24–26, 2025

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