Jozimar Matimano is a fine art painter originally from the East Democratic Republic of Congo, Butembo, now living in Manchester, New Hampshire. When he was 10 years old, due to the civil war at home, he and his family were forced to leave and flee to Uganda, where they would live for another 10 years. 

Finally, on October 5, 2016, Matimano moved from Uganda to Manchester, New Hampshire as a refugee through a program called the International Institute of New England.

Having always been drawn to art, Matimano quickly started drawing on his own, taking classes at the Currier Art Museum, eventually earning himself a scholarship to the Institute of Art at New England College where he is presently earning his BFA. His recent collection of paintings focuses on portraits and scenes of daily life that draw you in lightheartedly or make you pause at their raw intensity. 

Recently on exhibit at the SOWA Boston Gallery room 201, the “Nick Peterson studio,” he has found success through diligence, dedication, and commitment to his art. He is presently a commissioner on the Manchester Arts Commission, an organization dedicated to promoting local art and artists throughout Manchester.

Jozimar Matimano’s work will be on exhibit at the Lovejoy Library at Proctor Academy beginning in January, 2022 through May, 2022, with an artist reception in February, with details to be announced. You can view his full collection of work at JozimarMatimano.com. 

For questions about Lovejoy Library viewing hours, please contact Proctor Academy’s Art Curator, Molly Leith, at LeithMo@nullProctorAcademy.org.