The Popified Icons Series
I like to call them “Popified Icons” – Well known faces of super fame, glitter, adoration, scrutiny, deification and tragedy.
In this series, I capture a moment in time; The energy of the action, sound and colors.
My “Popified” style is a fusion of Modern Expressionism and Pop Art.
Popified Icons are a bridge between the realms of fame and intimacy. A celebration of those who shape our culture. From depictions of legendary musicians that resonate with the beats of their era to dynamic portrayals of celebrated athletes frozen in moments of athletic prowess.
My art has been projected onto the Brooklyn Bridge and Plunge Beach Resort, as well as billboards in New York City. My Popified Icons are hanging in countless homes including the Vice President of MTV. I have had a solo art retrospective completely filling two 3 story buildings at International Plaza in Boca Raton. Popified Icons also have been featured at Arts Garage in Delray Beach, House of Shadows in Tampa, Red Bluff Gallery, Las Lagunas Gallery and “Artstonish” Magazine to name a few.
Artist Bio
After I graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale with a degree in advertising and illustration, I worked as a Graphic Designer in New York. I designed packaging for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, magazine advertisements and billboards seen in Times Square in New York City.
Later on, learned a Bachelor of Science in Painting and a Masters Degree in Art Education at Hofstra University. Afterwards, I worked as a High School art teacher in Queens, New York, I taught studio and digital arts courses. I helped young artists prepare their portfolios for college acceptance.
I was a ESE art teacher in Broward County, Florida from 2017- 2023. I spent my time with vulnerable youth, using art to build fine and gross motor skills, critical thinking, problem solving and creativity through studio art mediums.
Currently, I am a full-time fine artist, doing mainly commissions of families, couples, pets etc. I have been a professional artist for over 35 years, creating legacies to adorn your home. I can create a Popified Portrait of you and your family, pets, friends etc… You name the subject; order yours today!
Artist Statement
I was an art teacher in a public school during the Pandemic of 2020. I began painting a lot with my free time at home. I started posting my art online. When we returned to in person teaching, the music teacher at the school approached me; he had a special request. He and his wife were making a Black Independent Film.
“Would you create something to honor the later great Vi Redd in a way that it would look like it fits into a college dorm room as a poster?”, he asked.
“I am up for the challenge!”, I replied.
After completion, I posted it online and the painting got more attention then anything else I had painted. Requests came in for peoples favorite rockers and rappers alike; Popified Icons were born!