Ren Dillard
Contemporary Visionary Artist
Ren Dillard is a multidisciplinary artist whose work challenges boundaries between past, present, and future. Drawing on traditions of the African diaspora and the speculative lens of Afrofuturism, Dillard creates visionary pieces that invite viewers to consider not only where we have come from, but where we are headed. His practice spans oil painting, mixed media collage, and ancient gilding techniques, blending history and innovation in ways that are both immersive and provocative.
In his most recent body of work, Glimmer of Things to Come, Dillard explores the potential futures of the African diaspora—at once utopian and dystopian, celebratory and cautionary. His art serves as both mirror and portal, reflecting the complexities of our present moment while opening imaginative space for alternative realities.
Dillard’s pieces are known for their layered textures, luminous surfaces, and narrative depth. By integrating collage and gilded detail with bold figurative and abstract forms, he creates works that feel simultaneously timeless and futuristic. Each piece encourages viewers to question assumptions, engage in dialogue, and envision their own role in shaping an equitable tomorrow.
Through his exhibitions across the Southeast and beyond, Ren Dillard has become a vital voice in contemporary art. His work not only honors the cultural richness of African heritage but also pushes the conversation forward—inviting us all to participate in building the future we wish to see.

