The Rochester Public Library is pleased to exhibit a series of original works by Jozimar Matimano on the Main Floor in May.

Matimano is a fine art painter. He was born in the East Democratic Republic of Congo, Butembo, where he grew up and moved to Uganda at ten. Nine years ago, he immigrated to Manchester, New Hampshire, as a refugee through the International Institute of New England program.

Since he was young, he has been interested in drawing and illustration. In 2018, he began painting in his free time as a way to express himself. A year later, he realized he has a voice that he could use to tell stories through his paintings. He then began pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art at the Institute of Art at New England College in 2019, and received his Associate in Liberal Arts in 2023.

He currently works with oil painting because he considers it the noblest technique. Over the years, he began by painting landscapes and nature scenes until he discovered portraiture at the end of 2018. He used portraiture to express his view of what was happening in society.

Matimano says he sees art as “a powerful tool that could spark something in one’s lifetime which could change the course of history,” stating, “I use my art as a way of expressing the reality, beauty, struggle, and strength of humanity by painting and drawing. I feel like it’s a message that somebody out there can learn from or be inspired by.”

His work has gained recognition throughout New Hampshire, leading to exhibitions in New York City as well as New Hampshire. Locally, he has contributed to exhibits such as “Finding Home” and “Being Black: The Immigrant Experience,” both of which explored the immigrant experience.

Jozimar is known for being community-oriented. He has volunteered his time to the Manchester Arts Commission and Creative Guts Podcast, assisting with organizing events and exhibits that support local artists.

In the future, he hopes to share his artwork with more people and see the impact that his art can have on other people and society.

To learn more about Jozimar Matimano, visit www.jozimarmatimano.com.