Meet Bonito Thompson | Jamaican AR artist fusing art with culture and technology.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bonito Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bonito, what role has risk played in your life or career?
My whole life right now is a risk. I quit my 9-5 to be a full time artist. That’s very risky. This pandemic shows me how unpredictable life can be. And so I’m committed to living life on my terms and actualizing my dreams/goals. I don’t think you can take risk out of life so you might as well embrace it and move forward with a plan.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a representation of how I see the world. This current collection of work was created to represent Jamaican Pop culture (Dancehall) and fuses AR tech so the pieces literally leap off the canvas! What’s set me apart? – I’m a naturally curious person, when I get into a topic I do a lot of research which makes it easier to connect new dots. Im always trying to ‘make something different’ when I make art. I think the thing that excites me the most is the space between art and technology. Im looking forward to incorporating new tech in my artworks and just experiment and growing from it.

I got here by making a plan. It definitely wasn’t easy and there were a lot of times when I had to reevaluate my plan and just step back and let life/momentum take over. I learnt to overcome challenges by shifting my perception of failure. Challenges/failures gives you the opportunity to improve. There’s wisdom in failure. Along the way I learnt the power of timing. Sometimes we try to force things when it’s just not the right time. When things align for you you’ll know. I’m also learning to trust myself and my own instincts. I want the world to know that I’m going to be around and be making exceptional art for a long time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’re going to start the week bar hopping in Kingston! We’re going to Kaya for the re-up then Chilitos cause they have the best margaritas. Then end the night with Red Hills Jerk Chicken and a cold Red stripe. For Dinner the next day we’d eat at Board to Belly. They make this amazing ‘Killy Killy’ sushi roll and I recommend you try it with the sweet eel sauce. It’s magic. Dub club on a Sunday night is a must plus you get a great view of Kingston at night. Its all laid out right in-front of you.

After that we’ll spend a couple nights in Portland. We’d go to the rivers, Blue lagoon and we can kayak out to one of the small islands and have a beach par! And you know the playlist is going to be fire. We’d end the week on a beach in Negril eating fry fish and festival next to a bonfire watching the sun set.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m not yet where I want to be in life but I have been able to achieve a lot over the past 6 months and I’m extremely grateful. There have been a lot of people that poured into me and my art career. Simone, Valon, Karla, Bri and Justine are a few who played a key role in the early stages when I was planning my AR art show, which was also JA’s first immersive AR art show.

Alexia James is one person who has always supported and been there for me throughout this journey. I would not have a sold out NFT collection without the effort and support I received from her and Maurice. I’m also very grateful for the persons who are always willing to amplify my voice and just recommend me for new opportunities! Abishai, Kibwe, Odessa, Krysta, Lauren! Much love.

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