Jonathan Thomas

American, 1946–2005

Jonathan Thomas was a sculptor whose work made significant contributions to both the American and Canadian abstract art movements. Thomas was born in Hamilton, Ontario, and earned two bachelor’s degrees in Science and Mathematics (1968) and Art History (1969) from McMaster University in Ontario. Thomas went on to earn his graduate degree in Art History from the University of Toronto in 1970. His most recognizable forms were African-inspired abstract totems created with a plethora of media, including polymer resin and wood pulp. Thomas also created a series of objects called “language robes”, where Thomas would fix fabric to an armature support and attach various elements.

Thomas exhibited across the United States and Canada, most notably at the Newspace Gallery in Los Angeles, Friedman Gallery in Toronto, Roy Boyd Gallery in Chicago, New Gallery Houston, and the Edward F. Albee Foundation in New York.