2024 Chicago Jazz Festival Poster "JOBERG JAM"

SIGNED BY THE ARTIST, RAYMOND A. THOMAS. VERY LIMITED SUPPLY
 
The Jazz Institute of Chicago's official 2024 Chicago Jazz Festival 
 
Size: 36 x 24 inces
Paper: 80 lb Cover (9pt)
Paper Coating: Gloss Aqueous
 
JOBERG JAM created by artist Raymond A. Thomas with full line up on the back.
 Artist Statement - 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.