MEET CLIFF

Cliff Powell is a contemporary surrealist painter based in Wellington, Florida, whose work sits at the crossroads of surrealism and fantasy. He explores themes of duality, transformation, and wonder, describing his style as “a juxtaposition of the raw and refined™,” where the gritty and polished converge to tell stories that resonate.

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Cliff’s paintings are united by a distinctive style and an interest in exploring complex ideas and emotions. His preferred medium is acrylic paint, and he creates original surrealist art characterized by symbolic imagery, an ethereal color palette, and a blend of precision and a dreamlike atmosphere. Some of the themes that inspire his art include childhood memories, retro-futurism, and philosophical curiosity. Each piece reflects his fascination with the mysterious and the ordinary, blending hints of nostalgia with glimpses of what lies ahead.

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His body of work often features unexpected juxtapositions, where familiar objects or figures appear in unusual contexts, evoking curiosity and inviting viewers to look deeper for hidden meanings. Whether exploring cosmic landscapes or symbolic imagery, Cliff’s art is driven by a desire to spark imagination and emotional connection.

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Born in 1978 in Lake Worth, Florida, Cliff’s path to becoming a contemporary surrealist artist has been unconventional. He has been a touring musician and recording artist, a general contractor, an interior architect, a project executive, and has worked in real estate development. These varied roles shape his artistic perspective: his background in design and construction brings structure and precision to his compositions, while his music career adds rhythm and emotional nuance to his visual storytelling. He holds a BFA in Interior Design (Summa Cum Laude) and has experience in graphic and digital design, computer-aided design (CAD), and BIM.

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Driven by a passion for collecting art and a need to fill a creative void beyond his corporate work, Cliff turned to painting as a personal outlet. What began as a way to balance his professional life has grown into a deeper artistic journey. Today, he continues to create contemporary surrealist paintings that explore the interplay between reality, imagination, and personal expression, offering original art for collectors who seek pieces that combine visual impact with conceptual depth.