Jonathan Aizenstat

Jonathan Aizenstat (b. 1983, La Paz) is a Miami-Dade-based professional artist specializing in immersive installations and children's books illustrations. Jonathan is an inspiring story of triumph in the face of medical challenges.

The published books are:

1) NO TIME FOR PIZZA - a book that depicts trades and professions by a delivery boy attempting to deliver Pizza but the professionals are busy working and have NO TIME FOR PIZZA. The end will sure put a smile on your face.

2) VISIT TO THE ZOO - an interactive book that engages children in making animal sounds and movements filled with fun and interaction.

3) COUNTING SHEEP - a book with no storyline, but a strong message through the images. It illustrates a black sheep (in the 1700's black sheep wool was less desirable due to the difficulty in dyeing) while the book counts from 1 to 10, the sheep start to acquire different colors symbolizing the oddities we all have. In the end, the ten sheep have an array of colors, they are all together accepted and loved, thus the character Don Yoni can go to sleep peacefully.

He was diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form in many different organs. He endured incredible and lengthy hardships affecting his quality of life as a result of irregularities associated with the brain including seizures and abnormal skin growths or facial angiofibroma. Jonathan was the victim of severe bullying during his school years and was consistently made fun of, abused, and taken advantage due to his condition.

Today, Jonathan is living a normal, happy, and meaningful life.

The determination and resilience Jonathan has demonstrated in his transformation to a published illustrator and emerging artist is an inspirational story.

Having completed several high-profile public and private commissions, Jonathan has developed widespread recognition as an upcoming emerging artist. In 2017, Hollywood-based healthcare company JAWS podiatry commissioned him to raise awareness for neurological diseases through art.

His site-specific installation “Under the Sea with Don Yoni converted an exam room into a space where patients feel immersed in a new world and no longer have to be afraid of visiting the doctor.

In 2018, he was commissioned by Prestige Imports and Lamborghini Miami to transform a Lamborghini Huracan Spyder to serve as the center piece for the Ride2Revive Charity Track Event, which provides kids with life-threatening illnesses a memorable, adrenaline-filled driving experience to revitalize their senses.

Jonathan’s public art projects include Utility Wraps commissioned by City of Pompano Beach (2017) and the Chalk-Lit Festival commissioned by Broward County Cultural Center (2018). His book “No Time for Pizza” was selected by Miami-Dade County Public Library into their official collection and will be available in all 50 branches starting March 2018. In 2016, Miami-Dade County Public Schools Division of Exceptional Education invited him to exhibit at the upcoming ESE Family Forum Conference, which provides resources to disabled students across Pre-K through age 22.

Jonathan has also received a letter of recognition from Florida State Governor Rick Scott.

The most meaningful and demanding project yet: The Victory Center. The specialized education institution for autism and related disabilities based in North Miami Beach, FL is expanding into a new 8,500 square foot facility. They have commissioned the artist to raise awareness for learning disabilities through art and to create an environment that helps students and their families reach their highest potential. Jonathan has transformed the school’s Sensory Room into an “out of the world experience.” This has earned him the recognition of the City of Aventura that declared September 24th, the Don Yoni Day.