EuGene Vidal Byrd III was born in Wichita, KS. Growing up with lineage from Tulsa, home to the prestigious Black wall street, EuGene was surrounded by exceptionalism, being exposed at an early age to leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs, and more that looked like him. EuGene first found his passion for art through his love of comic books and 70’s album covers.. He studied Graphic Design at SCAD, receiving his BFA in 2002. He worked as a graphic designer/creative director for 15+ years for companies like Timberland, Worldpay, Sonny Pictures, Walt Disney, and was also signage branding manager for Miami Dade and Dubai International Airport projects. EuGene founded Future Dead Artists, and operated FUTURE GALLERY from 2018-2020. During this time, he mentored artists/curators, curated 20 exhibitions and over 200 artists. EuGene is an artist that draws inspiration from life experiences and people around him. The style and themes portrayed in his art can best be described as realism and romantic. He illustrates quintessential aspects of the Black experience, in an effort to preserve Black culture, telling stories that are often overlooked or demonized. Using his natural eye and advanced grasp of color, EuGene provokes feelings of vulnerability, softness, and love through his art. EuGene believes that art inspires us, brings us together and teaches us about ourselves and the world around us. “My art is a direct reflection of my life experiences. I never set out to create specifically Black focused art, but it’s my experience, and if my art is inspired by my life, that’s just what it is.”