David Hollier

David Hollier (b. 1971) was born and raised in Wolverhampton, England. In 2002. Hollier got his Bachelor’s degree in Visual Art from the University of Northumbria and later earned his Master’s degree in Computer Imaging and Animation from London Guildhall University. In 2002, he relocated to Brooklyn, New York where he currently lives and works. Hollier divides his time in the New York painting and teaching as an adjunct professor at Parsons School of Design.

Hollier’s art showcases a collection of iconic visuals crafted entirely from text and language. Hollier deemed his style as ‘Imago Verbosa’ which means ‘an image created from words.’ Each piece is meticulously handcrafted using acrylic, Indian ink, or typed on a vintage typewriter. Works from Hollier’s collection include portraits of notable figures throughout history, most notably, John F. Kennedy made entirely of excerpts from his speech to The National Press Association and Gandhi depicted with words from his essay on Non-Violent Resistance (or Satyagraha).

Hollier’s work serves as social commentary, blurring the lines between pop culture and politics. Through his use of text, Hollier artwork encourages us to contemplate the powerful influence and lasting impact of words.