JASON ZANTE: A DIGITAL MAESTRO TRANSFORMING SPACES INTO VISUAL NARRATIVES

By: Connor Duszynski

Chances are that if you’ve ever been to Toronto, you’ve seen Jason Zante’s work. You can’t miss it. His distinctive surrealist pieces have been featured in the likes of The Four Season Hotel Toronto, the Cadillac Fairview Toronto Eaton Centre, and most recently in Toronto’s CIBC Pearson Airport. He has also done two private commissions for Justin Bieber and Hailey Rhode Baldwin Bieber, which hang in their Cambridge, Ontario estate. Jason is an artist whose work is a testament not only to the power of digital art and murals, but the power of pursuing one’s passions tirelessly. His portfolio is a vibrant display of creativity and technical skill, showcasing a range of commissioned works for such organizations and venues that has garnered him a growing list of awards and accolades.

Simply put, Jason Zante is on fire. Reflecting, he considers 2021 to be his breakout year. Among the many notable murals and artworks he’s shared with the world, he is still most proud of his 2021 mural entitled “The Riviera,” commissioned by his collaborators at The Four Seasons Toronto for the hotel’s South of France, Mediterraneanthemed patio called “D’azur.” This grand piece is a testament to Zante's ability to create large-scale works that captivate and inspire. “It was a defining piece for me in that it was the impetus for my exploration of creating these surreal landscapes and environments that I continue to depict in my practice,” he explains.

For Jason, his love of graphic design and art has always been the driving force in his life. When asked, Jason confirmed without hesitation that he has always known that he is an artist. “Always! I knew I was going to pursue art at a very young age. It was just a matter of time and patience in developing my creative skills and stylistic preference as an artist,” he shares. Growing up in The Philippines, Jason was greatly inspired by the immense beauty of the mountains, beaches, and tropical flora and fauna that is so prevalent there. He still is. Even in his works today, Jason combines his love of natural environments with his art, regularly weaving in Filipino symbols and details that help him reconnect with his background, upbringing, and the ephemeral quality of nature that continue to inspire him.

After relocating from The Philippines, Jason enrolled in the graphic design undergraduate program at Toronto’s OCAD University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 2020. It was during this same year that The Biebers had commissioned Jason for a private artwork for their residence, after he had previously joined them in 2019 for a curated art show with LIFT LA and Inner-City Arts at the UTA Artist Space in Los Angeles. Upon graduating, Jason has had more time to focus on taking on additional clients and growing his brand as an artist. “Before working on anything, I make sure that it is something I genuinely want to do and am interested in working on. It has to be a project that I feel connected to and excited about which helps with the creative challenges I may experience. When a client knows about my work, it becomes easier to be aligned vision-wise with the outcome of the project because they know what to expect. I especially enjoy working on commission-based large-scale murals,” he adds.

“Unwritten”

2023

12ft x 60ft Mural Installation

Digital Painting printed on Weather-proof Vinyl

Located at Plaza Bridge, Ottawa Ontario

Although Jason has streamlined his approach to the creative process, it can still be quite tedious, as every piece is different and unique to the project at hand. “There’s a lot that goes into creating a piece. The creative process for each artist is so personal and unique. For me, it usually begins with an idea. Then I conduct research by diving into the symbolism and meanings that the artwork will convey. Translating all of these elements through color and form is my favorite part. The concept I initially have always evolves through the art-making process, but that keeps the process exciting for me.”

Not only is Jason inspired by the evolution of his art during the conceptualization and creative processes, but he is also exhilarated by the challenge of bringing art and beauty to the otherwise dull and vapid cityscapes and corporate spaces. With pieces such as "Reflections of Light & Colour," a mural artwork for The Campbell Residences lobby, and "Ascension," an artwork commission for Cboe Global Markets, Jason’s artwork provides a breath of fresh air to passersby, enhancing these corporate environments. “My work is bold, colorful and vibrant. It catches your attention and immerses you in a surreal world. They are expressions of nature and its state of ephemerality. For me, creating a visually immersive experience that can provide a sense of escapism from our daily lives is one of my intentions when creating art. Our lives can often be filled with so much noise. My art intends to give that necessary moment of stillness in our lives,” he explains.

“Tahanan”

2022

Digital Painting printed on Archival Canvas with Hand Painted elements.

60” x 40”

Artwork commissioned for CIBC "Ambition Takes Flight" Exhibition.

“The

2021

Riviera”

The Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, Cafe Boulud patio

30ft x 32 ft Mural Installation

Commissioned by The Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

Jason’s work is not limited to static pieces. He has also created dynamic works for exhibitions, such as "Tahanan," an artwork commission for CIBC's Ambition Takes Flight Exhibition. The piece showcases his ability to create works that not only visually impress but also convey a deeper message. “The most fulfilling aspect of being an artist is to be able to take a concept and turn it into an artwork that others can visualize, experience, and interpret in their way. It would have to be the endless ideas and possibilities of what to create. It’s an exciting, but scary experience of putting your art out there, but I always tell myself that art is for everyone and it needs to be seen no matter what it is.”

As Jason soars in the art scene, his work continues to extend beyond Toronto, with pieces such as "The Flow of the Falls," an impressive vinyl mural for Jameson's Pub & Cocktail Bar in Fallsview Niagara Casino Resort, and "Paradise," another massive vinyl mural showcased at the same venue. With his name recognition making headway in the art world, more and more big-name clients and publications are fighting for the chance to work and feature Jason and his work. So, what’s next for Jason Zante? In his artistic practice, he’s eager to return to his roots as a painter, working with acrylics. He explains that it’s something he’s been pondering for some time now. “It’s going to be an interesting process of learning to translate my current works with a medium I haven't worked with in a while, but it’s a challenge I am fully embracing.”

There’s no question that regardless of the medium he’s working in, Jason will continue to excel and shine in everything he does. With his optimistic and ever-inspired spirit, his work will no doubt bring light to everyone who looks upon it. Parting with Jason, he shares one last piece of advice for our readers. “Always push forward and continue in your journey of discovery. Be present and always remain grateful. Wherever you are on your journey, remember that you are exactly where you need to be to go where you want to be.”