Chicago artist and Creative Director, Raymond A. Thomas, of the Jazz Institute of Chicago talks with Wanjiku Kairu about his painting "Joberg Jam". Jazz Institute of Chicago is featuring the artwork as part of the 2024 Chicago Jazz Festival representing the origins of Jazz. Artist's Statment JOBERG JAM - This past February I traveled and spent 15 days In South Africa. It was my second trip to the motherland and I had the pleasure of spending significant time in Johannesburg. Of course, I was moved by the profound history of struggle and liberation of the city. But what shocked and astounded me was the musical culture, particularly the jazz scene there. I hung out at several spaces where live jazz was being played and played well. It reminded me of the incredible Jazz scene that we have here in Chicago. I created this painting to pay homage to Johannesburg or “Joberg” jazz while celebrating the roots and connectivity to Chicago or “Chi-town” Jazz. Jazz music celebrates and transforms the human spirit. I found something poetic and inspiring about listening to Jazz in Africa, the birthplace of humanity and culture. Ultimately I sought with this work JOBERG JAM to create an image that evokes the spirit of the human tribe jamming to the rhythms of life itself. About Raymond A. Thomas Inter-disciplinarity Artist, filmmaker Raymond A. Thomas graduated from the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Soon after graduating, Thomas was hired by historic Johnson Publishing Company Inc. where he served art director and creative manager for 23 years. He also continued growing his art practice with showings of his studio work in exhibitions and galleries nationwide. In 2001, Thomas wrote, directed and produced his first film project “12 MINUTES”. The narrative film short told the story of a death row inmate whose last wish before his execution was to see his son whom he has never met. “12 MINUTES” was an official selection to over 20 film festivals worldwide, winning many awards and honors. Since then, Thomas has written, produced or directed numerous narrative and documentary film and video projects. In 2013, Thomas won an EMMY for serving as an associate producer on the documentary “Colorblind: Rethinking Race” which aired on television station WYCC in Chicago. His studio art works continues to receive enthusiastic responses. In 2013 his piece “The Conversion of Mary Magdalene” won “best painting” and “best of show” awards at the Black Creativity juried art exhibition held the Museum of Science and industry in Chicago. Thomas is currently creative director for the Jazz Institute of Chicago. Thomas is a five-time recipient of the Individual Arts Program Creative Projects Grant from the City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events Grants Department.