About Gray Art Collection

Discovery

Artist: Dion J. Pollard

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 is 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 Artstination Gallery at National Harbor. His work has been showcased in numerous exhibitions, including the Harlem Fine Arts Show, Delta National Convention, Creatively Black Baltimore (facilitated by The Baltimore Times), the Harriet Tubman Museum, 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 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.