"Iconic"

In this oil pastel work, Jon Brick brings his signature realism to one of his most enduring symbols — the raised fist. Known for using hands as storytellers, Brick focuses here on gesture as language, where form carries history, resistance, and dignity without the need for words. The fist rises not in anger alone, but in triumph — a visual declaration of endurance, cultural pride, and generational strength.

The bold background creates a striking contrast against the rich, layered hues of melanin skin, allowing the hand to command space and presence. Texture and color work together to emphasize both vulnerability and power, reminding viewers that strength is lived in the body and carried through experience. In this piece, the hand becomes more than anatomy; it becomes legacy, voice, and an unshaken symbol of Black resilience.

"Brown Boy Fly"

In this piece, Jon Brick transforms his signature raised fist into a symbol not only of strength, but of guidance and possibility. The hand firmly grasps the strings of five vibrant balloons, each one carrying the weightless but powerful idea of hope. Where the fist has long stood for resistance and resilience, here it also becomes an anchor — steadying optimism so it does not drift away.

Brick’s focus on the hand as storyteller continues, using realism and expressive color to bridge struggle and vision. The balloons rise with lightness and joy, suggesting a future shaped by unity, balance, and shared humanity. Together, the grounded fist and ascending color create a dialogue between perseverance and promise — a reminder that strength is not only about what we fight against, but what we lift up for the generations ahead.

"El-Shabazz aka Detroit Red"

In this mixed-media portrait, Jon Brick reimagines a historic black-and-white image of Malcolm X through an explosion of color, symbolizing the enduring vibration of his voice, intellect, and global impact. The transformation from grayscale to brilliant hues reflects not only a visual awakening, but a metaphorical one — echoing Malcolm’s own evolution from hardship and incarceration to self-education, spiritual rebirth, and fearless leadership.

Brick embeds fragments of Malcolm’s life journey within the layers of the work — visual references to his pilgrimage, his commitment to truth, and his call for dignity and self-determination. As with much of Brick’s work, the portrait is not just representation but conversation. Texture, color, and layered media give movement to history, presenting Malcolm X not as a figure frozen in time, but as a living force whose strength, discipline, and transformation continue to resonate across generations.

A unyielding spirit of Black liberation and resilience.  This raised Black man’s fist is an eternal symbol of resistance, strength, and unity. Surrounded by a bold, heavily textured red border, the fist emerges with undeniable force. The textured crimson represents not only passion and struggle, but the blood of ancestors who sacrificed and endured. This powerful border becomes both shield and reminder: a living testament that their struggle continues to protect and inspire future generations as we carry forth the revolution they began.

“Blood of My Blood” embodies our collective perseverance and power, while the surrounding red honors the lifeblood of our history. It’s about acknowledging where we’ve come from, and affirming where we are going.”