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I am an episodic and autobiographical artist working across multiple disciplines to unapologetically expose perceived shameful private moments to the public. My work coerces the audience into confronting uncomfortable topics, such as sexual trauma, substance abuse, mental illness, and female sexual agency. I work across mediums and disciplines; however, there is always a trace of my body present in the work.

Art is a mechanism in which the unseen can be made visible. I make work that gives a voice to those who have been silenced. My work is for those who have suffered. I seek to communicate to those who have seen the horrors of existence and to let them know that they aren’t alone. It’s for the kindred spirits who have been silenced, victimized, and hurt.

Janelle Bonfour-Mikes received her MFA from Columbus College of Art & Design in 2019 and her BFA from Ohio University in 2010. With degrees in performance art/expanded practice, choreography, modern dance performance, and gender studies her multidisciplinary practice combines performance, photography, installation, dance, and video. She has shown her work nationally, including performances and exhibitions at 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 lives in Columbus OH with her partner and their 3 cats. She also does a killer yoda meets cookie monster impression. ​