Create What You Love

Long Island born artist Jojo Anavim is as bright and original as his artwork, and despite his soaring career and celebrity collectors which would boost any ego, cites being humble and grateful as his keys to success. “My motto is be good to people and create quality work and the universe will take care of the rest.” To thine own self be true is another artistic guiding principal. “Create what you love and not what you think will sell,” he advises.

The support of his parents who emigrated from Iran has been essential for his confidence, encouraging his creativity from an early age. As a child he was already studying with Disney animator Al Baruch. Anavim honed his skills as a creative consultant in commercial art for such brands as the W Hotels, Sephora and Universal Music Group, laying the groundwork for elevating everyday objects into objects of transcendence. In 2013 he decided to take the leap to fine art. Anavim recounts, “I always loved commercial art but you want to grow and evolve and you’re always asking yourself what’s next. My pet peeve is status quo or stagnation.” His rolling stone definitely gathers no moss.

Thinking outside the box (or the box literally) has broadened his appeal and reach. His art work has adorned everything from a Yankees seat for an auction to a celebratory champagne bottle for the Indy Car Grand Prix to 50 limited edition hand painted boxes for Venus et Fleur. His vibrant use of color, nostalgia for brands from his youth and a witty sense of humor permeate his art. Of these partnerships he comments, “Every brand has their own unique story, and it’s my job to be a cultural archaeologist in a way and bring that story to life.”

The Hamptons where he spent summers was always his happy place and he waxes nostalgic of having a drink at the American Hotel Bar (in the age of Covid don’t we all!) A pivotal moment in his career came at a house party in the Hamptons. “A buddy of mine had rented a very nice place in Water Mill and there were always interesting people coming through from all walks of life be it entertainment, artists or athletes,” he says, “You could meet people and it was just a great place for creative minds collaborate.” One of these new friends he made was basketball player Kristaps Porzingis where he traded a painting for a lifetime supply of Adidas sneakers. Through everything from Instagram to word of mouth to traditional galleries his work has attracted celebrity collectors such as Selena Gomez, Seth McFarlane, Kylie Jenner and Sheldon Adelson. NBA star and major art collector Amar’e Stoudemire has declared Anavim’s commissioned Moses portrait to be among his favorite alongside Jean-Michel Basquiat and Roy Lichtenstein.

Anavim creates safe space for these high-profile clients, keeping his studio cell phone free and a place to relax and proverbially let their hair down. “By nature of who I am I don’t get star struck,” he says, “I think of them as creators and they think of me as a creator and we bond on that level.” Personal privacy is also important to Anavim who separates his personal and professional life, “For me it’s really important to stay off the radar as much as I can personally – my family time is important to me.”

So, what is on the bucket list for this already accomplished young artist? “I’ve always had on my radar to execute a sculptural series. Like everything I do I want to make sure it’s done correctly. Hopefully 2021 will see some three-dimensional works.”

Anavim also looks forward to participating in the show B-Cawz at The White Room Gallery in Bridgehampton featuring art that makes a difference in association with social impact art company Dandelion. “I have so many clients on the east end of Long Island and always admired the art scene and the galleries in town,” he says. “This year I signed with The White Room Gallery in Bridgehampton and it’s been such a great partnership. Having great gallery representation in the Hamptons has always been a goal of mine since I began my career so it’s just such a great experience working with the team there.”

And hopefully that will include a toast at the American Hotel.

www.jojoanavim.com