"Until The Street Lights Come On"
Jon Louis Gonzalez Solo Exhibition
"Until the Streetlights Come On" captures the essence of childhood and the boundless wonders of the world untouched by technology.
At the heart of Jonlouis's Collection lies a celebration of freedom and the essence of home– inspired by the vibrant landscapes of his upbringing. While deeply personal, Jonlouis's work also offers a window into the world of a generation that cherished outdoor adventures and carefree exploration. On his newest body of work, Gonzalez remarks:
“Thinking back on my childhood it was the best time of my life– A time when the only thing that mattered was making it back home before the street lights came on: no adult supervision, screens, or plans. Life was a true adventure. A recent study from Sanford Health News says that, on average, American children spend less than 10 minutes daily in unstructured outdoor play compared to seven hours in front of a screen. I am afraid children now are missing a foundational stage in life– the responsibility and resilience we got from the freedom to be kids. True connection before disconnection.”
Light is an enduring presence in Jonlouis’s new collection, taking the form of delicate blue watercolor washes and shadows that populate the backgrounds. The textured landscapes speak to the experience of curiosity, uncertainty, and exploration. The exhibition features six new paintings in which the artist dives into moments of exploration between childhood autonomy and the outside world. Centering the conversation on Play– the child figures interact with one another and bravely explore the fantastical world of each canvas. The artworks act as a conduit, transporting us to a simpler time, where the joy of discovery and the thrill of exploration were the guiding forces of our existence.