**Artist Biography**

Dion J. Pollard, also known as DionJa’Y and *The Art of
DionJa’Y*, was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in poverty. He recalls
times when he and his brothers searched for food in Gino’s Chicken trash bins,
as meals were often scarce at home. Attending school with holes in his clothing
made him a target for teasing, yet even in hardship, his artistic gift remained
a constant source of hope and inspiration.

DionJa’Y began drawing at the age of seven, but it was at
thirteen that he seriously developed his skills. Inspired by his brother’s
comic book drawings, he started exploring his own creativity. He quickly
advanced from reproducing images to creating highly detailed original works
from his imagination.

Starting with pencil, DionJa’Y expanded into multiple
mediums, including acrylic and oil paint, pastels, ink, watercolor, and digital
painting. He is especially drawn to the rich texture of oils and acrylics, the
spontaneity of watercolor and ink, and the raw expressiveness of pencil and
pastel. His artistic exploration has also led him into three-dimensional works
that extend beyond the traditional canvas.

While in the 11th grade, he was awarded a scholarship to
the Maryland Institute College of Art; however, personal circumstances
prevented him from continuing. He later attended the Academy of Art University
to further refine his craft and build industry relationships, though family
challenges limited his time there to one year. Despite these setbacks, DionJa’Y
has always believed his artistic gift is divinely inspired and has remained
steadfast in his creative journey.

DionJa’Y creates with the intention of inspiring others.
His work seeks to bring positivity into the world—portraying joy where there are
pain and hope where there is struggle. He intentionally avoids glorifying war
and destruction, choosing instead to celebrate life, resilience, and optimism
through vibrant, expressive imagery.

He frequently exhibits at curated events and is a resident
artist at Arts’tination Gallery at National Harbor Maryland. His work has been
showcased in numerous exhibitions, including the Cayuga Museum of History and
Art in New York, the Schweinfurth Art Center in New York,  the Harlem Fine Arts Show at the Glass House
and The Hamptons, Delta National Convention, Creatively Black Baltimore
(facilitated by The Baltimore Times), the Harriet Tubman Museum, The Virginian
Art Factory, Kulture Gallery and the Black Art Today Foundation, among others.

His artwork is held in the private collections of notable
figures such as journalist Roland Martin and Jacquie Hood Martin, and Jazz-Pop
artist Pete Belasco, musician Traci Braxton, as well as collectors throughout
the United States and internationally. DionJa’Y also partners with several art
wholesalers and currently resides in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

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**Artist Statement**

My artwork serves as a visual storyboard expressing the
vibrant, colorful, and spiritual essence of Black culture as I experience and
interpret it. Working across diverse mediums, I strive to create imagery that
connects deeply with viewers and invites them into my imaginative world.

My goal is to take audiences on a journey—sparking visual
conversations that extend beyond the canvas into meaningful dialogue. I
intentionally incorporate raised textures and mixed materials to enhance both
the visual and tactile experience. These dimensional elements are designed not
only to tell a story but to create a sense of movement and touch that draws
viewers closer.

I believe art should engage the senses, stir curiosity, and
inspire reflection, allowing each person to find their own connection within
the work.

Portfolio: