He’s best known for his prowess in the boxing ring and on the rugby field.
But Jordan Simi is now garnering attention for a different kind of fight – one that involves brushes and canvases.
His upcoming exhibition at Nanda Hobbs Gallery in Sydney is the talk of the town, showcasing his raw energy and fresh perspective on art.
Jordan’s journey to becoming an artist was born out of necessity.
During the COVID pandemic, as a New Zealander unable to receive support after losing his job, he turned to painting, a passion he nurtured over the years.
Former footy star Jordan Simi (pictured) is now garnering attention for a different kind of fight – one that involves brushes and canvases
‘I started painting over the last couple of years, and, this year I decided to take it seriously,’ Jordan told Daily Mail Australia of his journey from sports to art
‘I started painting over the last couple of years, and, this year I decided to take it seriously,’ Jordan told Daily Mail Australia of his journey from sports to art.
His creative process is fuelled by happiness and love, drawing from the energy around him.
‘I find freedom in art. It’s the rawest form of putting yourself out there,’ Jordan said.
‘I want my art to hit people in the face when they see it. I want it to make them feel a certain way,’ he explained.
His creative process is fuelled by happiness and love, drawing from the energy around him
Despite initial skepticism due to his athletic background, he has proven his critics wrong, with his art selling for between $5,000 and $20,000
‘I just think my art has the ability to do that. It’s very aggressive, and in your face, and I feel like I’m that type of person as well.’
Despite initial skepticism due to his athletic background, he has proven his critics wrong, with his art selling for between $5,000 and $20,000.
With his art gaining significant attention and value, Jordan looks forward to making his mother proud and inspiring other athletes to pursue their creative passions.
‘My mum was an amazing artist. She always drew back in the day, and she embodies everything that a human being should be, and I feel like I owe it to her to give it a hundred percent.’
‘I want my art to hit people in the face when they see it. I want it to make them feel a certain way,’ he explained
Jordan’s exhibition is set to feature alongside renowned artists like Fiona Lowry, Les Rice, James Drinkwater, Nicola Higgins, Hal Witney, Bec Fernon, Alison Smith, and Sam Frank.
Steven Alderton, Jordan’s mentor and the Director and CEO of the National Art School also praised his mentee during an interview with Daily Mail.
‘Jordan was chosen because of the RAW energy in his work and the great ability he has for bringing a new perspective to making art,’ he gushed.
‘He has combined his many interests, including boxing, sport, popular culture, and his Pacific heritage in really interesting ways that translates to a fresh new language on the canvas.’
Steven Alderton, Jordan’s mentor and the Director and CEO of the National Art School also praised his mentee during an interview with Daily Mail. Both pictured
‘Jordan was chosen because of the RAW energy in his work and the great ability he has for bringing a new perspective to making art,’ Alderton gushed
