Opening Reception: Crystal Miller and Michael Boyd Roman

Crystal Miller: Queens and Shiny Things

Crystal Miller, an interdisciplinary mixed-media artist, currently resides and works in Cleveland, Ohio. She holds an Associate degree in Graphic Design and completed her BFA in Painting and SEM (Sculpture and Expanded Media) at the Cleveland Institute of Art in 2023. Her artistic endeavors, spanning paintings and sculptures, center around the exploration of Afrofuturism, utilizing unconventional materials such as beads, glitter, rhinestones, and foam. Originating in the '90s, Afrofuturism rejects Eurocentric norms, weaving together African traditions and fantasy to resurrect erased Black ancestry.

Looking ahead, Crystal plans to delve deeper into Afrofuturist narratives, both historical and contemporary, seeking a comprehensive understanding of this movement. Her exploration aims to illuminate how Afrofuturism fuses African traditions, futuristic elements, and speculative fiction, creating a distinctive lens through which to perceive the Black experience.

Crystal articulates her vision, stating, "I envision a world that fully embraces me for who I am, offering not only uplift but also protection for the lives of Black individuals. A world where my Black sisters can thrive. This collective dream propels me to create art, with the hope that one day, it will manifest into our reality."

Michael Boyd Roman: Worth a Negus Wait in Gold

Michael Boyd Roman's art captures the everyday grace of contemporary Black individuals by seamlessly merging elements from hip-hop and urban culture with references to art history and religious iconography. By presenting images of divine Black beauty, he aims to offer positive and spiritual representations that challenge enduring historical narratives associated with the contemporary Black experience. Throughout his residency at Akron Soul Train, Roman endeavors to broaden his visual language, focusing on the depiction of spiritual perfection and incorporating iconography from diverse indigenous belief systems worldwide.

As part of his community engagement, Roman plans to host an "artist talk & photo shoot" event within the Akron community, specifically involving local people of color. This on-site gathering will serve as an opportunity to collect reference photos for his upcoming series, enhancing the authenticity and richness of his work.

Roman states, "By leveraging symbols and iconography historically linked to concepts of white supremacy and hegemony, I empower my figures to occupy positions of prestige, power, and purity, reshaping the narrative and challenging established norms."

About Akron Soul Train:

Akron Soul Train, a non-profit organization in Akron, Ohio, is committed to supporting and promoting the arts. By offering artist residencies, exhibitions, and community engagement initiatives, Akron Soul Train provides resources and opportunities for artists to explore their creativity and enrich the region's cultural landscape.