JoJo Ventus Ninja at The People's Museum for Prince
Photo: Kirk Thoren

A joyful living archive of art and testimony from Prince's worldwide audience. Explore the museum 

JoJo Ventus Ninja

JoJo Ventus Ninja

Minneapolis, MN
When Doves Cry
Film, 1 min 30 sec · 2025
JoJo Ventus Ninja — When Doves Cry
JoJo Ventus Ninja — When Doves Cry

Shot on a single roll of 16mm film, When Doves Cry began with a moment Maeve Gimpl witnessed at a drag show in 2024: JoJo Ventus Ninja, dressed as Prince, skating and dancing to "When Doves Cry." Maeve felt, in that moment, that Prince was giving a subtle nod of approval, and she was inspired to create this film: pure celebration — joyful, embodied, and alive.

When Doves Cry screened as a special part of Forever in My Life, Art & Film night at the Capri on June 10, with director Maeve Gimpl and performer JoJo Ventus Ninja in attendance.

JoJo Ventus Ninja is a performer, graphic designer, and House Father of Ninja Minneapolis. When he was a baby, his mother called him Prince for his curly hair. As a teenager, he worked at Roller Garden — the same roller rink Prince frequented. He went deep into the discography after that, and became a devoted fan.

At the Museum — Roberts Gallery

Event photo — JoJo Ventus Ninja at The People's Museum for Prince
Image credits

Artwork images: courtesy of the contributors. All rights reserved.

Installation photography: Kirk Thoren

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See also — Maeve Gimpl · Kish Daniels