From Pressure to Power

An original mini series of reclaiming power amongst all odds.

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MODERN CONTEMPORARY ARTIST & INTENTIONAL CURATOR

“Blue is not just a color; it is a universal constant. It is the water that sustains us and the sky that covers us—a canvas we all share.”

JONARRA SWANSON

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Meet the Artist

Based in Seattle, Washington, contemporary artist & intentional curator Jonarra Swanson uses her creative practice to drive meaningful change, solve problems, and strengthen community bonds. Her introduction into the arts was like anyone, as a child she was creating colorful landscapes on coloring book pages and homemade greeting cards for loved ones. Now, she is a self taught artist whose work is a fusion of poetry, expressionism and figurativism.  With a passion for human connection, she delves into the intricate balance of self-expression and community connection, seeking to capture the profound essence of humanity.

Her compelling work champions the idea that our universal human experience is the bedrock for equality, inviting viewers to perceive the inherent flow of connection among all people.

Jonarra's commitment to fostering connection extends beyond her personal art. She empowers individuals, businesses, and organizations to connect with art - whether through curated collections, creative strategy, or cultural programming. Further demonstrating her dedication to community and empowerment, Jonarra founded MUVA, a unique retail space in Seattle that supports creative mothers by giving them a vital platform to sell their work and expand their entrepreneurial venture

As her career grows, so does a community who honors connection, love and growth.

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Why Royal Blue Figures?

Jonarra’s most current work titled “The Human Current” is a commentary on the psychological and societal affects of erasure within our communities.

In her work, she harnesses this shared, foundational color to explore and reflect the inherent equality and collective humanity found within marginalized communities. Through her signature blue portraits, she create intentional representation, ensuring that the faces and stories often overlooked are given a prominent, powerful, and universally resonant place in the world.

These works compellingly explore the emotional landscape of self-discovery and the rebuilding of connections, acknowledging centuries of cultural and linguistic destruction that have fractured community ties to ancestral lands. Drawing from her personal journey as a Black woman shaped by multigenerational erasure in the U.S., Jonarra investigates the intricate dance between individual identity and collective relationships, illuminating equitable pathways to healing for marginalized communities. Her deliberate choice to transcend direct racial depiction in this series powerfully conveys her conviction that our shared human experience is the bedrock for universal rights and opportunities. As she eloquently puts it, "When I paint these people in blue, I think it's so beautiful that the skin color is the least important and the soul of the people really shine through," guiding the viewer to perceive the inherent and fluid connections that bind all humanity.

She believes that art has the power to transcend language and connect people from all walks of life. 

Jonarra's profound belief in art's ability to transcend language and unite people fuels her multifaceted artistic endeavors. Today, she continues to create art that deeply resonates with the soul, inviting viewers into a world of resilience and introspection.