Jon Key - The Foundation of Rediscovery

A thread runs through John Key’s practice and life, one that involves family (being a twin), art, design, and adventure.

Though his work is focused on the relationships and heritage he loves to explore, through painting and conceptual fashion design he weaves a story about himself. Originally from the rural town of Seale, Alabama, and now based both in Brooklyn and Margate, England, Key employs greens, blacks, violets, and reds to visually address his central themes of being Southern, Black, Queer, and interested in family. On this day, we find him in Margate, inside the renowned artist Tracey Emin’s TKE Studios, where Key has found a new home away from home. But the key to Key is that home and identity are something in constant flux, where histories are rediscovered and a sense of self evolves with every painting.

Evan Pricco: It’s unique that you have studios in two places, one on each side of the Atlantic. So where do you tell people where Jon Key is based?

Jon Key: I would say I’m based in Brooklyn and Margate. We can say that, maybe that sounds cute. Now, we are in lovely Margate in the TKE Studios in the beautiful main gallery space.

Doug Gillen: How do you end up with a studio halfway across the world? How convenient is that?