Also known as "BNick", Brian Nickson is a very talented artist from Detroit, MI known for his illustrations and abstract realism paintings. His painting medium is acrylic, and is often mistaken for oil paintings. Names like Snoop Dogg, and Martin Lawrence are just a few public figures who responded after seeing Brian's work on his social media handles. Even DIA Director Salvador Salort-Pons has tweeted about Brian's artwork.
His gift was discovered by his parents at the early age of five. In his childhood years, Brian attended several art programs at the Northwest Activity Center where he learned the fundamentals of art. He then attended Cass Technical High School and graduated under the art curriculum. After graduating high school, Brian attended the College For Creative Studies for a year only to lose interest in his passion. After 7 years of entering different career paths, he began to realize his true happiness was through art. He started drawing portraits with pastels and posted them on his social media pages.
In January 2017, Brian decided to leave his job at the plant to pursue his art career full time. Brian has been in numerous group art shows, including Illumination, Mississippi Mud, Dirty Show, and The 48HR Experience. His first solo show was held at The Baltimore Gallery entitled “FREEYOURMIND”. He has collaborated with companies such as -Vs-Everybody, One Custom City and Vizuvlgvds. His illustration of Fela Kuti was printed on a black hoodie worn by fashion designer Muktar of Vishuvlgvds on NBC News. Brian has a painting on display at the 36th District Court. He has also been a sponsor at events for The Golden Future Foundation and The Ezekiel Ansah Foundation, and partnered with the Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue for pet portrait commissions.
Brian is a member of the Detroit Fine Art Breakfast Club and has inspired artists globally with his style of drawings and paintings. He is currently a residency artist with Project Art where he instructs a children’s art class at Parkman and Hubbard Public Library on the west side of Detroit.