Urban Tribalism
by Canadian Métis Visual Artist, Jason "Shaded Cloud" O'Connor
ARTIST NAME: Jason "Shaded Cloud" O'Connor
ARTISTIC MOVEMENT: Urban Tribalism
BASED IN: Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada
HERITAGE: Métis
DISCIPLINE: Mixed Media Art, Murals, Digital Art, Live Performance
ARTIST STATEMENT
"Modern Cave Paintings for a Connected World."
Urban Tribalism is more than an aesthetic; it is a living, breathing cultural movement pioneered by Métis artist Jason “Shaded Cloud” O’Connor. Rooted in graffiti, street culture, and traditional Indigenous worldviews, Urban Tribalism bridges the space between ancestral memory and modern expression.
At its core, Urban Tribalism weaves sacred animals, symbols, and landscapes into a visual language that speaks across generations. Shaded Cloud’s work evokes a sense of timelessness in a dreamlike atmosphere formed through misty layers, earthy palettes, and elemental textures. Clouds, spirit-beasts, and celestial motifs are recurring icons in his art, each chosen not just for their visual power but for the stories they carry and the teachings they represent.
The name “Shaded Cloud” itself reflects a worldview where the duality of light and shadow, seen and unseen, spirit and form, is not one of conflict but balance. His characters and scenes move between realms, much like clouds between earth and sky, embodying the presence of spirit and the mystery of the in-between.
“Urban Tribalism is about grounding ancient wisdom in contemporary life. It’s about honouring where we come from while dreaming forward, not as a nostalgia trip, but as a way to reimagine our collective identity.”
Work Experience:
2002 - Present Freelance Graphic Design, Global
Graphic Design portfolio upon request
2004 - 2005 Studio A GoGo Inglewood, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
I assisted with Gallery set-up, hanging paintings, organizing events, and sales.
2005 - 2009 Gerry Tomas Gallery, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
I assisted with Gallery set-up, hanging paintings, organizing events, and sales.
Solo Shows:
2000 Beyond the Liquid Crystal, Auburn Saloon, Calgary, Alberta
2008 Sacred Art & Heavy Music, Art Life, Calgary, Alberta
2021 21 Years of Urban Tribalism, Nest Studio Inglewood, Calgary, Alberta
2023 The Lost Art of Urban Tribalism, Red Deer Arts Council Community Gallery
Group Shows:
2005 Art Galore 1, Vicious Circle Calgary, Alberta
Organizer, Curator and Participant
2006 Black Lite Art Show, Artspot, Calgary
Group Show Participant
2007 Art Galore 2, Calgary, Alberta Jason Gogo Gallery (Studio A GoGo) Organisor, Curator, and Group Show Participant
2008 111 Art Fair, Calgary, Alberta
Group Show Participant
2009 The Dreadful Gestalt, Art Gallery of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Group Show Participant
2015 Studio Bell, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Group Show Participant
Events:
2007 Rogers Wireless 80 Party, Rodney's Oyster House, Calgary, Alberta
Live painting performance on stage beside live musical acts Samantha Fox, Grandmaster Flash, and Kardinal Offishall with artist Jason Gogo
2008 Juno Awards Universal Music Afterparty, The Chop House, Calgary, Alberta
Live painting performance with artist Jason Gogo
2009 Sacred Art and Heavy Music, Art Life, Calgary, Alberta
Solo Show and live painting performance
2012 Gerry Thomas Gallery, Calgary, Alberta
Live painting performance and showing
2021 Music & Art, Nest Studio Inglewood, Calgary, Alberta
Live art and Installation of my Collection
Residency:
2021 Nest Studio Inglewood. Calgary, Alberta
A 3-month residency with Installation open to the public and studio practice
Published Work:
2010 The Manifestation Journal, Calgary, Alberta
Cover - Theophania Publishing
2006 Satori Movement, California, USA
Textile all-over print design for hoodies
Murals & Commissions:
2008 Reverand Kill Band, Calgary, Alberta
Album Cover - War and Conflict
2011 Reverand Kill Band, Calgary, Alberta
Album Cover - The Mad Trapper
2010 - 2016 Private Commission, Inglewood, Calgary, Alberta
12 x 12 mural beside the famous community chalkboard, changed every season
2012 Salon Frequent, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Interior Mural, Reception, and main wall
2025 Muskoka Chair Project - Red Deer Arts Council Call for Artists
Custom-painted chair to be auctioned off to raise funds for both our Hub and sexual assault survivor programs
Permanent Collections:
2003 The Collection of Mr. Richard Holstein, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Richard purchased 12 paintings I made while living in Port Vila for his hotel property.
Volunteer Work:
Red Deer Arts Council - Board Member 2023\2024
Social:
Instagram: @shadedcloud_arts & @shadedcloud
Facebook: facebook.com/UrbanTribalism
Twitter: @UrbanTribalism
Website: urbantribalism.org