Interview
Messiah Brown
Messiah is a multidisciplinary artist from Brooklyn, NY, whose work blends surreal portraiture, vibrant mixed media, and sculptural clay design. Drawing inspiration from the rhythm of city life, personal transformation, and fleeting dreamlike moments, Messiah's art explores identity, connections, and resilience. Through collections like The Blue series, Garden collection and Metropolis Mind, his pieces weave moody elements and architectural themes with organic forms, creating visual stories that bloom between chaos and harmony. With features in varies galleries and art publications, Messiah continues to elevate as an artist dedicated to pushing his creative boundaries and crafting soulful, transformative work.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Honestly, it was unexpected. I never thought I'd become an artist, even though I've always loved creating. At one point, I imagined myself on stage or on screen as an actor, but life had other plans. I started studying art and discovered how I thrived on creative autonomy. Visual arts pulled me in, and once I realized I could build entire worlds with paint, mixing mediums, and eventually teaching clay design and adding sculpture to my list of artistic skills, there was no turning back.”
What inspires you?
“I pull inspiration from everything, the chaos and beauty, the weird and uncanny, and those moments of peace in solitude. I'm drawn to nature's resilience breaking through concrete, to the shifting identities around me, and to the emotional layers of being human. My art processes my internal transformation while capturing the dreamlike moments that linger between reality and imagination.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Identity, growth, and connections are at the heart of my work. I merge my urban cultural roots with organic, dreamlike elements, like watching a garden bloom inside a city's soul. My art explores what it means to be seen, to evolve, and to discover unusual beauty in unexpected forms and places.”
How would you describe your work?
“The role of an artist is vital, we're the keepers of perspective and imagination. Creative expression shapes open minded, thriving societies and leaves a mark on history for future generations. Art has the power to heal, inspire, and touch souls in ways words cannot. Artists carry a unique gift to influence, inspire hearts and spark change.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I'm influenced by today's everyday artist, the ones I follow and admire for their unique style and creativity, also some of the artists I work with and get to see how the create in person. I'm also inspired by the greats who paved the way for so many of us, their legacy shaping how we create today. And honestly, my own artistic evolution inspires me too. I keep my early, imperfect projects as a reminder of how far I've come, fueled by endless learning and stacks of art books that continue to shape my vision.”
“The role of an artist is vital, we're the keepers of perspective and imagination.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process really shifts depending on where I'm at with myself. I'm a very spontaneous creator, sometimes I dive right in without a plan, letting the piece unfold into its own story. Other times, I map out a full theme or concept in my notes or sketch books, only for it to sit there until the right energy hits. It's ironic because I plan almost everything in life, but when it comes to art, I like leaving space for surprise, evolution, and that raw, unfiltered spark of creativity.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Our roles are multifaceted and have evolved throughout history. Artist are more than creators, we're architects of culture, shaping how the world feels, thinks and dreams. As society evolves, so does our role, pushing boundaries, sparking change, and leaving behind visions that help the future see itself more clearly.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I've been fortunate to have my work featured both locally and internationally. A few highlights include being showcased twice in New York's Time Square Billboards with Artist Talk Magazine 2022 and 2023. And exhibitions in Milan, Madrid, Barcelona, Athens, and South Korea. My art has also been featured in several galleries and online publications that spotlight contemporary and emerging artist.”
