Portrait of an Artist: Jozimar Matimano Paints in the Colors of Freedom

Before arriving in the U.S. Matimano had never painted, although his father had an interest in art and passed down his talent to his son. Art became an important pastime for Matimano while living in the refugee camp.

When Matimano first started dabbling in painting here, he says he tried his hand at a still life of flowers – but flowers have never been Matimano’s strong suit. He prefers portraits and often uses his own image as the subject of his work that combines realism with symbolism. For one thing, he’s always available to pose when he needs a model, he says with a broad smile. But also, it’s important to him to authentically paint what he knows. 

- Jules Robidoux