Meet the Founder

I’m Madison Hines, artistically known as XWIZDUMBX (wiz•dumb), a Houston-born abstract and mixed-media artist. I offer original artworks, commissions, apparel, prints, workshops, and 1:1 mentorship for emerging artists and families with creative children. As a self-taught artist, I experiment with acrylics, fabrics, and recycled materials, drawing inspiration from my inner child and deep ancestral connections.

In 2016, I established my brand, XWIZDUMBX, which reflects upon identity and self-awareness. It’s defined by the “knowledge of self, representing one tapping into their highest power and not needing anyone to validate who they are and what they represent.” Through live painting and digital storytelling, I’ve created a diverse and growing community serving those who are underrepresented and those who are seeking to break through mental barriers and build a sustainable, authentic creative practice.

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  • My artistic journey began because I felt unseen, and I built a sanctuary within my work for myself and others to feel heard and valued. Art has always been my way to escape, and I created XWIZDUMBX through a language of emotions that words couldn’t always express. It began organically with hand-painted shirts in my parents' backyard, leaving a trail of colorful paint stains that marked the start of something bigger.

    During my formative years, I was fortunate to attend a Magnet School that offered an extraordinary breadth of exposure to various art forms. This vibrant environment nurtured my curiosity and reciprocated the freedom to explore across multiple disciplines without being confined to one. This early exploration laid my artistic groundwork. In high school, I was influenced by the music industry and considered audio engineering and I was determined to carve a distinct niche for myself, one that would ensure my work received recognition. Having always been called "wise beyond my years," I embraced the name "XWIZDUMBX."

    This mission is encoded in my name: "WIZ" represents the archetype of all-encompassing knowledge and heightened consciousness, while "DUMB" signifies those who persistently underestimate me, challenging my truth. The name XWIZDUMBX is a declaration: it embodies the duality of perspective and the power of owning your story. My work demonstrates this power, creating a balance between lightness and darkness, pain and celebration, the act of alchemizing these energies into purpose. 

    Asking the viewer, “In what ways are you willing to set yourself free in the face of adversity?”

    When I wore my first custom shirt in high school, the response was overwhelming. Classmates wanted their own, and I started taking commissions. After graduation, I committed to an engineering degree, but discovered a passion for the kinesthetic aspects of creation. A business management class prompted me to return to my first love, and the positive feedback received from classmates and professors was a catalyst, illuminating how much I had been holding myself back.


    Realizing I had already discovered my purpose was a pivotal shift, and I immersed myself fully in my artistic practice, learning textile design, photography, printing, and more. After delving into the over consumption in the fashion industry, I adopted a sustainable approach, repurposing scraps and thrifting materials. This led to my next revelation: if I could translate my art onto fabric, why not express it on canvas?

    Now, my work serves as an intimate dialogue and heartfelt tribute to honoring the relationship with myself—a sacred conversation between the spiritual and the tangible. I create to heal the parts of myself that seek liberation, giving voice to my inner child’s freedom and my ancestors’ unspoken language. My practice is a continuous three-way conversation between my present self, my inner child, and my ancestors.


    I perceive my artistic journey as a continuous evolution, marked by a commitment to growth. I am an expressionist, with my work co-existing in the realms of abstraction and healing, influenced by graffiti art. Each day presents fresh opportunities to experiment with new techniques, from layering textures to playing with color. This exploration deepens my understanding of how art can be a powerful tool for connection.

  • The mission of XWIZDUMBX is to create artwork that heals and inspires, fostering self-expression and personal growth. I strive to make creativity accessible and share knowledge that helps others discover their unique voice. I believe that when we tap into our highest selves, we not only empower ourselves but also inspire those around us.

  • In the creative space, accessing resources is a major challenge—not just financially, but in finding fair opportunities and support as a BIPOC artist. My community—the emerging, underrepresented, and often overlooked artists—face barriers beyond the artwork itself: a lack of open spaces, meaningful mentorship, and environments for honest self-expression. Through XWIZDUMBX, I’m building the resource I wish I’d had: a space where artists feel seen, empowered, and supported, asserting that creativity is not a privileged commodity but a universal birthright living within every individual's spirit.

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