Brian Nickson
Detroit, MI
From working at the plant to 2018’s Detroit Metro Times Best Visual Artist, Brian “BNICK” Nickson has risen to stardom. Brian was born on the east side of Detroit and has been drawing all of his life. However, it wasn’t until recent years that he has taken the profession seriously. His preferred 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
On January 20, 2017 on his way to work, his exhaust pipe cracked in half after asking God to give him a sign to become an artist full time. It was at that moment, Brian decided to dedicate his life to the arts. He has been in numerous exhibitions including three solo exhibitions. Brian participated in the 2018 Palmer Park Art Fair, where he was seen on WDIV Local 4 news. He currently has artwork in the collections of Judge Deborah G. Bledsoe Ford, Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah, Joseph McFashion, and more.
His work has been nationally recognized by writer, director, and lead actress of FX series “Better Things” Pamela Adlon. The masterpiece “Wine Fine” created by Brian, can be seen on season 3 of Pamela’s show. Brian has also been a sponsor for the Golden Future Foundation, Ezekiel Ansah Foundation and he has been a foster volunteer partnered with the Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue. He currently has work installed on both floors at five star restaurant Brome Modern Eatery in the downtown Detroit area. Brian is also a profound member of the Detroit Fine Art Breakfast Club and has inspired artists globally with his style of drawings and paintings.
