Nik Richard

Nik Richard is a visual artist and illustrator from New Orleans, LA, who uses his practice to illustrate the colorful life and history of the people and environment of southern Louisiana, while calling attention to social and environmental issues. Nik primarily works in acrylic paint on canvas, and pen and ink illustrations; and is most recognized for his colorful and striking portraits, and public artwork around the city.

In 2019 Nik worked with the Arts Council of New Orleans to install his first public art sculpture in the newly developed medical district in Mid City, New Orleans. “The Spirit of Lower Mid City” is a project that consists of 22 corten steel panels standing over 8 feet tall, lining the walking trail of Galvez between Canal Street and Tulane Avenue. This project illustrates through steel engraved panels the history of the Mid City neighborhood that was permanently changed by Hurricane Katrina.

In addition to this project, Nik’s most recent public art pieces include a collaboration with Adult Swim on a mural on the side of the YAYA Arts Center in Central City, and an Arts New Orleans mural on the side of the VOTE headquarters in the neighborhood of Hollygrove. In 2022 Nik collaborated with Red Bull and the NBA to paint custom backboards that were displayed in the Smoothie King Arena through the 2022-2023 New Orleans Pelicans basketball season.

In 2023 the New Orleans Zydeco Festival partnered with Nik to design their inaugural festival poster. In addition to that, his current work features him collaborating with legendary Cash Money rapper Juvenile to illustrate the product label for his popular Juvie Juice beverage, and the bag design for his newly released snack 400 Hot Degreez Chee Wees. Nik’s artwork can also be seen in partnership with Modelo, Disney, Nike, Current Affairs Magazine, Science Magazine, and animated on Adult Swim.

Nik is a recent Joan Mitchell Center artist in residence, the recipient of New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund’s 2023 Designer of the Year, and currently teaches advanced illustration at Loyola University.