Janet Kimantas explores urban landscapes in her oil painting practice, many scenes of which she encountered in the local Hamilton region. As she writes:

“The city of Hamilton is on the cusp of rapid growth and development – an exciting time for a vibrant and diverse metropolitan centre. It is located in one of the most biologically rich environments in Canada and its population is highly aware of the ecological pressures on valuable natural areas. The social pressures of gentrification after decades of neglect and decay also must be carefully managed as heritage properties and marginalized neighborhoods are eyed for real estate development. The social-ecological balance here is fragile and contested, and provides rich source material for my painted investigations.”

Janet Kimantas was born in Toronto, Ontario and has studied at OCADU, ON; the University of Guelph, ON; and the Dundas Valley School of Art, ON. Her works have been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions across Ontario. Kimantas lived in Hamilton for three years before moving to Ottawa, ON, where she currently lives and works.