Photo by Steph Lane
Vere Duane Jones Jr. (1981) is a Kjipuktuk (Halifax, Nova Scotia) based artist and designer.
Identifying himself as an artist at a young age, he used art to escape reality and bring his fantasies to life.
Duane is fascinated by how visual language is used to shift cultures and change or reinforce prevailing beliefs – an interest ignited while studying colour theory, design, semiotics and art history at Bermuda College and NSCAD University.
Duane’s work often employs design techniques where, symbolism, colour and typography are used to elicit specific responses. His work today is in many ways the opposite of the art he made as a teen. No longer a vessel for escape – Duane's work gives his fantasies and fears a physical presence that forces him to confront them rather than escape them.
Education
Dalhousie University, MA, Information Management, 2014
NSCAD University, BA (Honours), Communication Design (Minor in Digital Media), 2004
Bermuda College, Associates of Art and Design, 2000
Artistic and cultural work presented to the public
Sep, 2024: Squaretown Courts; Mural designer; George Dixon Community Centre, Halifax, NS; Buckets & Borders
Jul, 2023: Unapologetic Pride; Mural painter; Maxwell’s Plum Beer Garden, Halifax, NS; Halifax Mural Festival
Jul, 2022: Real Unity Is Power; Mural; Painter; Quinpool Road, Halifax, NS; Halifax Mural Festival
Dec, 2019: Art Pays Me Podcast Live (Maje interview); Host; The Carleton; Halifax Pop Explosion
Sep, 2018: Purpose; Fashion show; Designer; Dartmouth Crossing; Atlantic Fashion Week
Artists and community collaboration activities
Jul, 2024: Arte & Movement; Curator; Haliente Creative Studio; The Halifax Marriott Waterfront, Halifax, NS
Jul, 2023: Arte & Movement; Curator; Haliente Creative Studio; Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Jan, 2020: Freelancers Business Panel; Co-organizer/host; The Creative Kick; Art Bar Projects, Halifax, NS
May, 2018: Moments In Culture; Feature presenter; Soli Productions; Halifax Central Library
Arts and cultural work experience
Jan, 2021: Tyranny Exhibition; Exhibition Designer; Art Gallery of Nova Scotia; Halifax, NS
Teaching and mentorships
2023-24: Mentor to Kordeena Clayton; Visual Arts Nova Scotia; Halifax, NS
2022-23: Mentor to Martins Madumere; Animation Festival of Halifax BIPOC Animator Film Commission and Mentoring; Halifax, NS
2022: How to Use Podcasting and Other Storytelling to Enhance an Art or Design Practice; NSCAD University Creative Entrepreneurship Lab
2021-22: Mentor to Boma Nnaji; Visual Arts Nova Scotia; Halifax, NS
Volunteer experience
2023-present: Board member; Canadian Art Foundation; Toronto, ON
2022-present: Co-chair; Envisioning Our Future Strategic Planning Committee, NSCAD University; Halifax, NS
2020-21: President; NSCAD Alumni Association; Alumni Association Board, 2020-21 Alumni Association Board, Halifax, NS
2019-21: Alumni Representative; NSCAD University Board of Governors; Halifax, NS
Awards and community recognition
2023: Small Business of the Year Finalist; The Halifax Chamber of Commerce; Halifax, NS
2021: The Most Inspiring Immigrants In The Maritimes; My East Coast Experience; Halifax, NS
Assessment and adjudication
2023: Peer Assessor; HRM Arts Grant Program
2022: Juror; Craft Nova Scotia Members’ Exhibition
2021: Peer Assessor; Arts Nova Scotia Grants
2020: Judge; NSCAD Student Art Award
Media coverage
Sep, 2023: Style East; Solitha Shortte; Eastlink TV
Feb, 2023: Get to Know: Duane Jones; Eilish Bonang; Global News Morning
Jan, 2023: 2023 Halifax Business Awards; Business Voice Magazine
Aug, 2021: Not Everyone Finds Their Dream Job Right Out Of School; My Halifax Experience Magazine
2021: Bermudian Abroad, Art For A Living; RG Magazine
2021: 21 Black-Owned Products You Need In 2021 And Beyond; Black Enterprise
2021: Black Canadian Designers Making Waves in Fashion; CTV Your Morning
2020: Instagram Images that Defined 2020; The Coast
2017: Episode 205: Duane Jones; Revision Path Podcast; Maurice Cherry
Artist talks, presentations and articles
May, 2024: Finding Your Creative Niche; Super Nova Conference; Halifax Central Library
Mar, 2024: What If I'm Asked to Paint a Mural? Hub Talks; Sobeys Inspiration Hub, Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre; Saint Mary’s University
2021: Black Designers Connect Panel Discussion with Dr. Dori Tunstall and Tafui; RBC Black Diamond Ball Workshops; Virtual
2020: Hear Tell; Visual Arts Nova Scotia; Virtual
2020: Creativity During the Pandemic; Creative Kick; Virtual
Memberships
Present: Member; Visual Arts Nova Scotia
Present: Member; Black Artists Network Nova Scotia