From Stillness To Motion - How this Festival Changed My Art Forever
Introduction: Alys Beach — A Canvas Like No Other
Nestled along the iconic Scenic Highway 30A in South Walton, Alys Beach is not just a town—it’s a living gallery. With its pristine whitewashed architecture, curated coastal design, and sense of elevated minimalism, Alys Beach sets itself apart from other beach towns in Florida’s famed 30A corridor.
For Jonah Allen, fine art photographer and founder of the Jonah Allen Gallery, Alys Beach is more than just beautiful—it's personal. It's the town that challenged him, supported him, and continues to inspire his creative evolution. And there's no event that captures this dynamic relationship more than the Digital Graffiti Festival, an annual showcase of digital art projected onto the architecture of Alys Beach.
The Digital Graffiti Festival: A Fusion of Architecture, Art, and Atmosphere
A Unique Global Event Right on 30A
Each spring, Alys Beach becomes a beacon for digital artists from around the world. As night falls, the alabaster walls of this architectural masterpiece are transformed into massive canvases for digital projections, animated visuals, and immersive soundscapes. This is the Digital Graffiti Festival—an experience unlike any other in the Southeast United States.
For Jonah Allen, the festival is a pivotal moment in his artistic calendar. “This is one of my favorite events of the entire year,” he shares. “The whole town becomes art.”
Jonah Allen’s Journey: From Imposter Syndrome to Artistic Recognition
A Humble Beginning in a Town of Luxury
In his early years as a photographer, Jonah remembers the feeling of walking into an Alys Beach home and wondering if he belonged.
“I remember the first time I walked into one of these homes here in Alys Beach... I just felt so out of place, like, wow, do I even belong here? Does my work belong here?”
Now, nearly a decade into his career, with numerous collectors and exhibitions to his name, Jonah stands as a testament to growth, resilience, and the transformative power of art. “Today, being a legitimate practicing artist is part of my identity,” he says. “It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly.”
“Where Sea and Sky Meet”: A Meditative Exploration of Time and Place
A Still Photographer in a Moving World
While most works at the Digital Graffiti Festival involve dynamic video and motion graphics, Jonah Allen’s foundation is in still photography. But instead of stepping back, Jonah saw the festival as a challenge—a way to stretch himself creatively.
“Creatively, every year has been a struggle for me here because the type of artwork I make isn’t usually accepted. But this festival has forced me to grow as an artist.”
This year’s featured piece, titled “Where Sea and Sky Meet,” embodies Jonah’s desire to explore the passage of time through a single frame. Over the course of a year and a half, Jonah positioned a camera in the same location to capture a photo every minute—over 200,000 images in total. He then selected 15 of these and used animation techniques to transform them into calming visual loops, paired with meditative music that mimics the rhythm of waves.
“The result is this meditative trance… like you're right there in the ocean. My goal is always to create a window to the sublime.”
Alys Beach as Muse: A Town That Shapes the Artist
Alys Beach, with its timeless architecture, thoughtfully designed public spaces, and deep connection to nature, is more than a backdrop for Jonah’s work—it’s a recurring character.
“Every home is so different architecturally, and each one becomes a unique canvas for digital art. It’s immersive. You’re completely surrounded.”
Jonah also emphasizes the community aspect of Alys Beach—how it draws together not just tourists and collectors, but artists from all over the world. “This is the only event where I get to connect with artists from across the globe right here in my hometown,” he says.
The Ripple Effect: Art That Resonates
For Jonah, the real success of his participation in Digital Graffiti is not in the accolades or recognition—it’s in the emotional impact his work has on viewers.
“I love being a fly on the wall, watching people engage with the work. Sometimes they don’t even know I’m the artist. But I can see that the art has done its job—it’s changed their state of being.”
Art as a Force for Connection
As the world grapples with division and disconnection, Jonah believes that art—especially immersive, emotional work like that showcased at Digital Graffiti—has a unique role to play.
“I think the world right now needs more connection. If art can inspire us to connect with one another as humans, we need more of that.”
Through projects like “Where Sea and Sky Meet,” Jonah offers viewers more than just a beautiful image—he provides a moment of stillness, a portal to presence, and a chance to feel something profound.
Visit the Jonah Allen Gallery
If Jonah Allen’s work at Digital Graffiti inspired you, you can explore more of his fine art photography at the Jonah Allen Gallery, located in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, just a short drive from Alys Beach.
From large-format ocean photography to custom commissions, the gallery is a visual celebration of the Gulf Coast’s natural beauty, brought to life through Jonah’s unique lens.
📍 Visit Us:
Jonah Allen Gallery
4771 E County Hwy 30A Unit B101
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
