Monroe O’Bryant: Meet the Artist
Grand Rapids-based artist, originally from Brooklyn New York, curator, and photographer, Monroe Aki O'Bryant is best known as AkiBang. As an artist specializing in photography, abstract painting, and curating, he brings attention to today's important social issues. His work Realistic Neglects: A Graphic series won the 2D jury prize in photography in 2015. In addition to creating more art series in 2017 and beyond, Monroe also became the Curator at City Hall of Grand Rapids from 2016 to 2022. In 2020, Monroe collaborated with Lions and Rabbits to create his first group mural exhibition, entitled "We Are Superheroes" in Grand Rapids' South East area. As a result, he himself painted a mural entitled "You're not a mistake.".
Currently, Monroe is in school for project management and will become PMP certified by the end of April. Among the galleries and exhibitions that have featured his work are The Grand Rapids Art Museum, The Devos Conventional Center, and The Obsidian Art Institute. Today, Akibang's works reflect the subject matter, passion, and technique of those he looks up to, but with his own unique style. In addition to a positive outlook for the future, he finds motivation in growth. In his community, and around the world, Monroe wants to use his life to effect positive change. Monroe is currently the resident curator of The Historic Four Star Theatre.
Q: How did you get involved with Lions and Rabbits?
A: I was focused on the "We are superhero project" for the Southeast District because I didn't see murals of Black People at all in this location. I met Hannah, and our minds linked, and we decided to make a difference and impact our city through murals. She was already doing her Kung Fu in the Plainfield area. Hannah and Jasmine have implemented high efforts in helping me with my goals of completing my vision. I Love and Thank them both!
Q: Run us through your creative process: Medium? How do you start, flow and finish?
A: I give my canvas a clean slate before I create, then use colors by their meanings, to give power.
Q: What themes/ideas are highlighted in your work? Intentions?
A: Red Black And Green are the Panafrikan's colors meaning: Red for the blood, Black, for the people, and Green for the motherland. In the middle of the canvas, there's an African teenage male looking down at his T-Shirt. The Shirt states. “It's ok to make mistakes because you learn from your mistakes but just know..... You're not a mistake!! - AK
Q: Can you share more about how your career as an artist began?
A: I was always creative, but I never knew I was an Artist until one day I Broke a glass mirror by mistake. Out of boredom, I decided to crazy glue it onto my wall, creating. After, I realized that I wasn't going to get my security deposit back, I immediately called the maintenance guy to help me remove it. He saw my work and said, "Oh you're an Artist?" I felt validation, and then my journey began.
Q: What mistakes have you made? What obstacles have you encountered throughout your career as an artist?
A: Never tell your ideas!! Protect it at all costs. People will steal it if you talk!! Find your funding, and do it yourself!! Allow yourself to be quiet, and allow God to work in you!! Be your authentic self and keep your integrity always!!
Q: Who/what are your biggest inspirations that play a key role in your work?
A: My Family, true friends, Music, and Frank Sinatra
Q: Do you feel supported by your community as an artist? In what ways could you feel more supported?
A: Some do Some don't. That's life! My Family is my support
Q: What is the function of artists in society? What does being an artist mean to you?
A: An Artist is a walking and living Document recording of how it once was. That's what it means to me
Q: Describe a moment when you felt most proud of yourself
A: Seeing my son for the first time!!
Q: What are you currently working on or looking forward to?
A: I'm Currently the Resident Curator of The Historic Four Star Theatre, and we have exciting things coming up.
Q: BONUS: If you could choose any superpower, what would it be?🦸🏻♀️⚡️🌀
A: I already have superpowers, I'm an artist.
Follow more of Monroe’s work instagram.com/afearlessbrotherproject
Thank you for checking out this week’s Meet the Artist, be sure to check out more artist stories dropping weekly on our blog!
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