THE BODY PIERCING ARCHIVE

by Paul King

This year’s APP Conference in Las Vegas provides a unique opportunity to view materials from Jon John’s performances. After the exhibition, his archive relocates to the Queen Mary University in London as part of their permanent collection.

It is with sadness that we share the news of Jon John’s passing. Publicly, he was known for his performance art as well as his gallery-tattoo shops, AKA Berlin and AKA London. AKA Berlin was opened in November of 2009, with a partner Valentin Plessy. Jon’s driving concept behind AKA was to create a supportive nexus for artistic talent. Resident artists became co-creators and family. Riding the success of AKA Berlin, Jon John opened AKA London in January of 2013. Unfortunately, it was one year later that he received his cancer diagnosis and began scaling back. Eventually, AKA London had to be closed. Today, the vision of AKA Berlin carries on under the very capable and talented hands of tattooist Philippe Fernandez, with Gabriel Meister as the lead piercer.

Although Jon John was an adept tattooist, body piercer, and jeweler, it was his performance art that gave him the greatest pleasure and purpose. Perhaps Jon John’s own words, best describe the significance of his art (please read his Artist’s Manifesto on page 57). In addition to his solo work, he collaborated with artists such as Ron Athey, Joey Arias, Marilyn Manson, Nick Knight, Paul King, Rancinan, Kiril Bikov, Juano Diaz, David Harrow, and others.

Against the strong warnings of his doctors, Jon John insisted on a farewell performance. He had been working on a performance piece for over a year that was delving into emotional and physical complexities of illness, medical treatment, love, life, and death. This performance, Love On Me: The Finest Hour, offered closure for family and friends:

My heart bursts with gratitude from our shared ritual. My family, friends, artists, and lovers, free from the artificial constraints of this body, this place, and this time, you have healed my spirit – we are together, always.

Less than one month after this final performance, at the age of 33, Jon John passed away with family and friends by his side. He had no regrets, no resentments, and nothing left unsaid. He remained an inspiration of love, his guiding principle, throughout his death as he had throughout his life.

—Paul King, friend and co-creator

• For more information about Jon John:
  • www.akaberlin.com
  • www.jonjohn.net
• To view performances:
  • https://vimeo.com/jonjohn