Miami, FL – September 15, 2018 – South Florida based artist, Brian Poli-Dixon unveiled his newest collection “The Genius Series” at Modart Gallery located in the middle of the Miami Design District and Wynwood. After a successful career as a wide receiver for the UCLA Bruins, he spent several years playing in the NFL before having to leave the sport prematurely due to an injury. This allowed the self taught artist to rediscover his love for art, which he has since explored and developed with his distinctive paintings by using raw color, texture and form to create emotionally laden work in a variety of styles. His work strives to be relatable, accessible and enjoyable while also provoking thought and eliciting complex reactions. His practice also extends into photography and sculptural canvas. Poli-Dixon’s debut is anything but restrained, demonstrating his keen eye for texture, color and language in a signature, unforgettable style.

Through the use of multiple types of paint on each canvas, the artist is able to evoke divergent expressions while maintaining a consistently raw and uncompromising aesthetic. The Genius Series is centered around a cast of characters, “geniuses,” each with their own set of distinguishing features. Most of the portraits are marked by words whose purpose it is to resonate with each other and with the viewer, bellowing out creeds: SYNERGY, BOSS, MAVERICK, LOVE, KARMA. Curator and Owner Norka Martinez, stated this is ModArt Gallery’s second exhibition which is open until October 20th, 2018. The private visit gallery is opened for public only during art fairs or special events. World Red Eye sat down with Poli-Dixon to take a closer look at the genius behind The Genius Series.

WRE: How did you get your start in the art world?

BPD: I have been into art and exploring my creative side since I can remember. It was only 5 years ago that I picked up a paint brush with a different hunger inside. The first year I started painting was about me just expressing myself through another medium. I was posting my completed work and people were responding to it. I got my first commissioned work that year and that sparked me. I just keep painting and painting and painting. People who know me witnessed all of my growth through social media. Its is almost as if they are apart of my creative process and journey.

WRE: How did you create “The Genius Series” and what does it mean?

BPD: I keep several journals where I consistently keep notes, sketch, and write downs things and ideas that inspire me. One day, I wrote the saying, “That’s Genius”. Something about it resonated with me. I continued to play with it and contemplated what it meant to me. Being a “genius” is not merely about intellectual brilliance. It is when anything or anyone captures a moment of something special. It is something special that we all share in the possible manifestation of. The word “GENIUS” also ends with the letter “us”, which creates a sense of togetherness. I believe once you find your “genius” you should share it with as many people as possible. I consider creativity to be one of my “genius.”

WRE: What is the best part about being an artist? What inspires you?

BPD: The best part about being an artist creating something from nothing. I love the creative process and the journey. Ultimately the goal is to fall in love with the completed work. Only then can I pass it on to someone else who will build their own connection to it. There is no better feeling than when someone incorporates my work into their own lives to enjoy. As for inspiration, when you’re passionate about something your brain is wired into anything that is related with it. This is what molds your thoughts within life interactions. At that point all your senses are inspired by everything around you. Everything I come into contact with can be used as inspiration in my work.

WRE: Do you have a favorite piece in the series?

BPD: It’s really hard to pick favorites. I fall in love with all of my works because there is something special about each one. Most of the time the last piece I finished becomes my favorite for the moment.

My work is deeper than face value. There is a simplicity about it, but requires you to think about the meaning.

Brian Poli-Dixon

WRE: Is there a common theme in your paintings?

BPD: The common theme my paintings share is that I love color. Also, I like using multiple types of medium to create different textures. My work is hard to capture in a picture; you really need to see it in person to appreciate the texture and how it comes to life. The Genius series shares some common signature themes. They either have one or all of the following, the character is wearing glasses, the shape around its mouth is made to look like a mustache or a smile, some play on the word genius, written text and somewhat of a mask concealing some of the face.

WRE: Is there an artist that inspires you the most?

BPD: I love so many artist that it is hard to pick just one. I am inspired by every art regardless of their popularity. I am inspired by artist who are passionate about their work.

WRE: You played football before starting to paint, is there a common denominator between the two?

BPD: Of course! I feel that playing sports can relate to so many parts of my life. I only started playing football midway through high school, I was definitely an artist before I was football player. I played football in college and in the NFL before having to medical retire. Painting and sports require passion and that is the common thread in becoming successful. Both require a lot of hard work and burning desire for self improvement and wanting to be the best. They share in the uncertainty of the outcome, but either way you have learned what does and doesn’t work. That process is what will ultimately prepare you for your next opportunity.

WRE: For someone who doesn’t understand the meaning behind your art, how would you explain your work?

BPD: My work is deeper than face value. There is a simplicity about it, but requires you to think about the meaning. My work is positive and full of energy, which makes you feel good when you are present with it. I find it interesting to listen to the opinions from people who don’t understand art. I find that they are initially controlled by there eyes. As they spend time with the work and you explain the process they have a better sense of understand and that can be exciting for them because they become more connected to something they found so foreign.