My name is Jason O'Brien and I am a Canadian born artist of Caribbean decent based in Toronto, and a graduate of the prestigeous Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU) Toronto. My creative journey is rooted in a deep desire to explore the soulful layers of the human experience. Through my art, I celebrate love, spirituality, strength, vulnerability, connection, and the incredible resiliency of the human spirit. My work is both personal and universal—a visual reflection of my thoughts, aspirations, and cultural influences.

 

I draw inspiration from Black-Afrocentric culture, literature, music, fashion, and pop culture, translating these narratives through heroic subjects and powerful imagery that reflect the richness of the Black experience. I started out painting with vibrant acrylics on large gallery canvases, immersing myself in the textures and energy of traditional media. Over time, I began bringing that same passion into the digital space, creating original works on my iPad that carry the same emotional depth and vibrancy as my paintings. No matter the medium, my goal is to make art that resonates — pieces that invite you to look closer, feel deeply, and maybe even see a part of yourself reflected back.

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For over two decades, my paintings have found homes in private collections across North America and I have been featured in international and local exhibitions, auctions, and charity events throughout Toronto. One of my signature works, Rainbow, was featured on the cover of fiction writer Deidre Berry’s book "The Next Best Thing" and appeared in Season 1 of Queen Sugar, the acclaimed television series produced by Oprah Winfrey and Ava DuVernay.

 

For me, art isn’t just something to look at — it’s a conversation. It’s a way to connect, to inspire, and to reflect the beauty and complexity of our shared human journey. I’m glad you’re here, and I invite you to explore my world through the stories I tell in each piece of work.

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