As an artist working across a range of disciplines, my practice is dedicated to capturing the ephemeral moments that define our experiences. My work frequently integrates autobiographical elements through performance and installation, delving into themes such as trauma, mental health, sexual agency, and domesticity. These explorations are designed to challenge and engage audiences with complex and often uncomfortable subjects, frequently reflecting a feminist perspective that encourages deeper reflection. 

I use cyanotype to transcend traditional visual representation, aiming to capture the essence of a moment in a more profound way. This process allows me to embody the full sensory experience—the gentle caress of the wind, the penetrating strength of the sun, and the relentless flow of my thoughts. By focusing on natural landscapes and phenomena, I invite viewers to pause and find stillness amid the often overwhelming pace of modern life. 

To me, art is a powerful tool for making the invisible visible. It sheds light on our internal emotions and the subtle beauty that resides in everyday experiences, providing a means to explore and express the complexities of human existence. 

Janelle Bonfour-Mikes earned her MFA from Columbus College of Art & Design in 2019 and her BFA from Ohio University in 2010. With degrees in visual art, choreography, performance, and gender studies her diverse practice integrates performance, photography, installation, dance, and video to explore temporality both autobiographically as well as collectively.

Her work has been exhibited and performed nationally including The Wexner Center for the Arts (Columbus, OH), The Flat Iron Arts Building (Chicago, IL), The Frist Center for Visual Arts (Nashville, TN), Goodyear Arts (Charlotte, NC), and The Kennedy Center for the Arts (Washington, DC). 

Janelle currently resides in Columbus, OH, with her partner and their three cats. In addition to her artistic pursuits, she’s known for her impressive Yoda-meets-Cookie Monster impression.