2003 Albuquerque International
Balloon Fiesta Poster:

"Twenty-fifth in the series by Bill Jonas. For this milestone anniversary of the series, Jonas echoed the first poster ever done for the Fiesta, the classic 1979, depicting a single partial balloon and the edge of an adjacent one. Expanding on that image, the pilot is joined by three awed passengers. The beautiful blended sky and cloud forms hint at the dawn patrol that precedes each day's Fiesta events. The landscape below is shrouded in twilight. Jonas is widely admired for his meticulously crafted dreamscapes focusing on people engaged in higher pursuits. In the case of this poster, that description can be taken literally. His oil paint blending techniques are so time consuming that he produces as few as four paintings a year. We count ourselves lucky that one of those was the 25th installment of the Balloon Fiesta poster." ProCreations Publishing Company.

Quando l'arte é un ponte fra le culture
By Marta Casat >il Corriere di Firenze (The
Florence Courier)

"[In the painting, Lebensborn] "The American artist, Bill Jonas, presents a grand composition of 32 images, all of the same face. The man's features are represented subtly in a mesmerizing series of minimal movements, as though it were part of a cinematographer's film strip."
AND:
Out of over 900 artists exhibiting at the 2003 Florence Biennale, only four were selected for review in the Italian press. Jonas being the only painter."

Excerpt from "Some New Art Equations"
By D. Eric Bookhardt > Gambit Weekly

"It sounds like a sporting event, perhaps a tennis or golf tournament, but the CAC’s Louisiana Open could become an annual classic in its own right. It is, of course, an art show, and as art shows go this one is indeed wide open, unsullied by theme or theory. Yet it is based on a fairly obvious idea: invite all the serious artists in the state to participate and engage a respected art-world figure to make the final selection. It is the sort of show for which the CAC was known when it first opened, almost two decades ago – long before its reincarnation as a kind of high-tone pleasuredrome of the beaux arts. (Apparently even obvious ideas can get lost in the shuffle.) Thus, this show seems an appropriate way to reinvest the place with some of its long lost populist appeal."

"Some of the paintings and prints employ whimsy of an almost cathartic sort. For instance, Bill Jonas' oil painting The Iguana Riders depicts several iguanas as big as horses, each with a human rider astride its back. The iguanas are rather philosophic of mein, while their riders all wear intensely hypnotic leers, like vampiric tango dancers. What gives? The artist’s statement says ‘From out of the forest and into the glade the Iguana Riders emerge. They follow the beck of a tropical sky on a path this is dream beguiled.’ Oh. Well, of course … obviously."

Excerpt from "Emotional Exhibit Arises from War"
By Roger Green > The Times-Picayune, May 5, 1991

"Seldom has a local exhibit showcased the fervent passion evident in ‘Artists on War: Open Forum,’ the Contemporary Arts Center’s sweeping new group exhibit treating recent events in the Persian Gulf and warfare in general. Organized by Covington artist Douglas M. Brewster, the non-juried show is crowded with emotionally charged paintings, sculptures, drawings, collages, photographs, installations and other inventive creations by 230-odd Louisiana artists."

"Predictable, riotous colors and violent distortions characterize many of the artists’ works, the majority of which are figurative and vehemently anti-war in sentiment. The visually turbulent installation should make a powerful impression on visitors."

" … ‘Artists on War’ includes many works in which emotion and execution are happily married. Several of these works share formal properties, and/or address common themes."

"One example, Bill Jonas’ painting Power Play, equates making war with adolescent insecurity and concept of self-importance based on the size of the sex organs. This cartoon-like painting portrays four clown-like boys – two with their pants undone, two brandishing yellow rulers."

"As a forum for the voice of the people, the exhibit deserves applause, particularly at a time when artistic freedom of speech is such a hotly debated concern. Kudos to Brewster and the CAC for organizing the timely show, an appropriate presentation at New Orleans’ ‘alternative’ arts facility.

Excerpt from "Lagniappe"
By Betty Guillaud > The Times-Picayune, January 10, 1996

"Another work of art: Artist B.F. Jonas will unveil his latest work, ‘The Grande Finale of Club Mozambique,’ Thursday night for members of the Contemporary Arts Center’s Century Club. If you did not receive an invitation, it probably wasn’t because it was lost in the mail. One has to pay big bucks to be included in that circle of cushy patrons. Not to worry, though, you can whittle your way into the sharp circle if you call the CAC at 523-1216 and put up your money. Along with the membership comes a signed edition of Jonas’ new work."