Contemporary American-Swedish artist John Romi is the founder of Cuneiformism, a unique style he has been honing since 2004. Initially creating figurative canvases, Romi transitioned to abstract imagery, incorporating calligraphy and logo-syllabic script into his work. He has a distinctive approach to grouping contrasting organic shapes and reinforcing focal points through varied textures and the use of a palette knife, giving his works an unusually vibrant depth and dimension. In addition to focusing on texture, color, and geometric composition, Romi places great emphasis on the energy and attraction his canvases generate.
Shortly after completing his Master of Science in Engineering, Computer Science, Graphic Arts, and Multimedia at the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, Romi began experimenting with the use of Cuneiform in his art. Working alongside some of the foremost scholars in the field, he has extensively studied the ancient Cuneiform script and applies accurate definitions to spell out words and concepts across his canvases. Romi layers the wedge-shaped Cuneiform characters over bold, pure hues, hoping that the beauty and tranquility of his work will help viewers escape conflict and heal inner wounds. He believes in the transformative power of his Cuneiformism canvases, carefully composing each piece to convey a unified theme or perception while allowing viewers to interpret and create their own narratives.
Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA)
Education
2022 - Art Business, Sotheby's Institute of Art
2004 - Academic Certificate of Fine Arts, Ancient Art, History, and Beyond, (Freedom Learning Studio) Ferndale, MI
2003 - Masters of Science in Engineering, Computer Science, Graphic Arts and Multimedia. The Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
2001 - Academic Certificate of Fine Arts, ABF Stockholm, Sweden
Exhibitions
Art exhibitions in Europe and the U.S, among them:
2025 - Exhibizone, Seasons: Spring - 2025
2025 - Gallerium, Viva la Vida 2025 Juried Exhibition
2025 - Save OUR Planet! - Red Bluff Art Gallery
2024 - The Homiens Art Prize
2024 - Naturalist Gallery Flow Exhibition
2024 - Southwest Artist Series Purchase Initiative
2024 - Avanti Art Gallery - Solo Exhibition
2024 - Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC)
2024 - James May Gallery - Art of Water
2024 - The Bridge Arts Foundation - SEEKING LIGHT
2024 - Treat Gallery "Brand: New" Exhibition.
2024 - Masur Museum of Art - Invitation to Exhibit.
2023 - 2024 - Sasse Museum of Art - Invitation to Exhibit.
2023 - 2024 - Natural Elements at Blue Line Arts in Roseville California.
2023 - 2024 - YICCA INTERNATIONAL CONTEST OF CONTEMPORARY ART.
2023 - Teravarna Art Gallery - Winner of the HONORABLE MENTION AWARD in the "6th COLOR" art competition.
2023 - Yavapai College Art Gallery - Sonic Expressions: Art + Music.
2023 - Gallery Andrea - Invitation to Exhibit.
2023 - ROME INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2023 – 7th edition, Rome, Italy.
2023 - NYC PHOENIX ART - Invitational Solo Exhibition.
2022 - EA Art Gallery MI, U.S - Representation.
2019 - Mesopotamia Art Gallery MI, U.S.
2017 - Curator and participant artist of the International Cultural Day, Troy Public Library
2010 - AKITU Art Exhibition, Mesopotamia Art Gallery, April 1-30, 2010
2008 - Curator and participant artist of the Cultural Week, Madonna University
2007 - Art Consultant, (The Contemporary Art Exhibition) at the Katzen Museum, Washington, D.C.
2007 - Art Consultant, (Enduring Spirit) Art Exhibition at the Museum of New Art, Pontiac, MI, Aug. 23 - Sept.15, 2007
2007 - AKITU Art Exhibition, Mesopotamia Art Gallery, April 14 – June 16, 2007
2005 - Christmas and New Year art show, Mesopotamia Art Gallery, Dec. 14, 2005
2005 - Tammuz Revival art exhibition, Mesopotamia Art Gallery, July, 22, 2005
2005 - Ancient Artists' Masterpieces art exhibition, Mesopotamia Art Gallery, April 22, 2005
1999 - Eyes Art Exhibition at Dimensions Art Gallery, Metro-Detroit, 1999
1996 - Södermalm's Annual Art Exhibition, 1996
1995 - Youth, collective artist of Stockholm south, 1995
Publications
2024 - Create! Magazine Issue 45 - The Art of John Romi