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Mark Viau is a South Florida–based artist whose contemporary practice emerged during the coronavirus pandemic, when he transformed his dining room table into a working studio while quarantined with his teenagers. During this period, he produced his first cohesive body of multi‑dimensional, mixed‑media work, drawing inspiration from classical fine art and perceptual experimentation.

 

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Viau showed early artistic promise, painting murals in his childhood bedroom and earning a fine art scholarship to Wayne State University. Following graduation, his path unfolded outside traditional art channels—traveling extensively, engaging with music‑driven subcultures, and ultimately settling in South Florida, where he raised triplets while building a successful business.

 

A creative turning point came when hand‑painted sneakers inspired by Phish imagery went viral, reconnecting Viau to visual experimentation. Further exploration, collaboration with a fractal artist, and exposure to influential psychedelic and modern artists solidified his return to studio practice.

 

Viau’s work investigates altered perception and layered realities through bold patterning, earthy palettes, textured materials, and custom framing. His compositions aim to engage the viewer in immersive visual problem‑solving rather than passive observation.

 

His debut solo exhibition, Psychedelic Art Project, at Float 8 in Deerfield Beach (2021) introduced his work to the South Florida art scene. He completed a residency at Bailey Contemporary Arts (2024–2025), presenting two exhibitions, Mind Bending Beauty: Exposition d’art and Vernissage. His work has been featured at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center and Jazz Festival, appeared on the cover of Pompano! magazine, and was selected for the album artwork of The Mighty Fire by The Heavy Pets (2025).