Jobelle Quijano dives fearlessly and effortlessly into complex emotions and fantasies in her gripping self-portraits and social narratives. And, she is only beginning! This is the first time in recent years that a student artist has claimed TOAF’s most cherished distinction – the Murray and Marvelle Koffler Founder’s Award. This substantial cash prize of $6,000 is awarded to emerging artists who demonstrate dedication to their artistic explorations and a solid potential to take their practice to the next stage of their career development. We look forward to following the evolution of her work and storytelling in future years.
Our sincere thanks to the members of the Koffler family and the Koffler Family Foundation, the Lead Patron of TOAF, for championing artist entrepreneurs, celebrating artistic excellence, and encouraging our efforts every step of the way since 1961! ????
Jobelle Quijano is an artist to watch. Enjoy getting to know her.
Jobelle Quijano
Recipient of the Murray and Marvelle Koffler Founder’s Award
Jobelle Quijano is an artist based in Toronto, Canada. She is currently studying for her Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) at Queen’s University. Through her artwork, she creates a vivid and honest image of her inner world by exploring themes of girlhood, comfort, vulnerability, fantasy and nostalgia.
From the award judges
“Jobelle Quijano is a bold talent. Her virtuoso figuration is loose and assured, yet she applies her oil paint flat, possibly with a scumbling technique. Her palette is colour-filtered to dramatize the decidedly personal activities of her subjects. Her painting, Town at Night encapsulates many of Jobelle’s themes of oppression, vulnerability, nostalgia, vanquishing angels, fantasy, and home. Whether it’s a gathering of friends or a self-portrait, the vulnerability built into each complicated composition displays an honesty rarely expressed so confidently in such a young artist.”
– Flavio Belli, Artist, Curator and Art Consultant & Tiana Koffler Boyman, Co-Chair of the Koffler Centre of the Arts
What movie or book has inspired you lately?
Recently, I watched the movie Altered States directed by Ken Russell. I really enjoyed it! I love how it explores love, relationships, and gender dynamics through body horror and sci-fi.
What is your newest inspiration?
I’ve recently been inspired by some books I read over the Summer that explore themes of fantasy, religion, sex, and relationships. These include, The Piano Teacher by Elfriede Jelinek, Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh, and Girls Against God by Jenny Saville.
What is your next goal as an artist?
I would love to have my first solo show!
In the Community
On until Sunday, November 12, 2023 at the Koffler Gallery, Free Admission
The Koffler Gallery, in partnership with Swiss Architect Manuel Herz and Canadian historian and curator Robert Jan van Pelt, present the world-premiere exhibition of The Synagogue at Babyn Yar: Turning the Nightmare of Evil into a shared Dream of Good. This international exhibition is brought together with assistance from Canadian architect Douglas Birkenshaw and through architectural photography by celebrated Dutch photographer Iwan Baan. The exhibition features large-scale photographic murals directed by Ukrainian-Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky taken by Ukrainian photographer Maxim Dondyuk.
