Meet the Artists
“An exhibition of forward-thinking, intersectional voices, pushing the boundaries of artistry through the lens of the African American Experience.”
When asked about her artwork, Dana shared the following, “My grandmother was a Harlem Renaissance Artist. Her work lives on till this day in the form of a mural in the Harlem Hospital Lobby. Her name is Georgettes Seabrooke Powell. She is my inspiration. I paint because of her!!! My artist name is Georgettes Granddaughter. Because of HER, I AM”
Heath Holland aka “The Left-handed Wonder” has been a visual artist since the age of 5 years old, started off drawing cartoon characters, before receiving the opportunity to go to Saturday classes at John Herron School of Art, as he continued on to sharpen his skills, he had the honor to be in major art shows, and meet other gifted artist in the city. Despite having a full time job, Holland still pursues the opportunity to one day to be a full time artist.
Pope Samuel Gaskine aka Billy Hoodoo is a musician and professional artist specializing in acrylic and oil canvas. He credits his creativity to synthesia and growing up on the East Side of Indianapolis. Gaskine is also an Indiana Member of the Eighteen Art Collective and is a published Professional Esthesia Artist. More examples of his work can be found on his website at https://billyhoodoo.univer.se/
When asked about her artwork, Jessica shared the following, “I love to create images that initially seem just vibrant and pretty, but actually have a very dark underlying meaning to them. I learn more about the process with every image I create, and each painting shows progress and evolution in my artistry. My desire to create stems from a background as both a Black woman and having a background of Chicano culture. I’m inspired by artists from both cultures and try to push that through in each piece. Selecting my art would make for an extremely diverse showing, even in just my own pieces. I am currently in the process of creating new works expanding on as well as combining each of those styles that I’d love to be able to share, but I was only able to upload the one image.”
Juan The Artist is an emerging Indiana-based artist that has enjoyed making art since the first grade, and has been in pursuit of mastering his craft for the past several years. Originally, he strictly drew with just graphite, but one day decided to try painting and gain experience practicing the color theory. He has had an interest in working with other mediums such as oil paint, charcoal, and watercolor. Juan’s ultimate goal is to have his artwork displayed throughout the US, and eventually internationally as well.
When asked about her influences, Ki the Creator shared the following, “…in my creative journey I have found my heartbreak, trauma, and healing has been one of the greatest attributes to my creativity. I believe my art is something you can feel each time you see it, you feel a different emotion. I strive to tell an amazing story about my journey one day and I’m glad I’ve taken the steps to do so locally with my people I am grateful for finding an outlet to allow to be express and be a better version of myself.”
A.G. Tha Pharoah, who credits their inspirations as Leonardo Da Vinci + Kanye West, is the visionary musician, graphic and clothing designer, and filmmaker, unveils the inspiration behind his trailblazing clothing line, Pharaoh Clothing. With an innate passion for both Egyptian heritage and contemporary style, A.G. Tha Pharoah has masterfully woven these elements into a seamless tapestry of fashion that resonates with enthusiasts worldwide. His artwork often delves into the intricate balance between ancient symbolism and urban aesthetics, narrating the journey that led to the birth of this unique and influential brand. When asked what motivates him to create in this age of social media, Tha Pharoah responded; “Being able to create and express my artwork in different mediums and new frontiers”
Michael Bullock aka Redink Special, was born 1990 and raised in Indianapolis,IN. He’s been involved with art his entire life from pencils to acrylics, rugs to epoxy tables, and airbrushing to tattoos. He’s currently a tattoo artist at Unks Tattoo Parlor and has been tattooing for 14+ years. Mr. Bullock will be bringing his “Redink Special” brand of artwork to this year’s festivities and we’re lucky to bring him into the fold!
When asked about her art and influences, Tilly responded, “My art is a reflection of resilience, emotion, and the complexities of the human experience, bridging personal healing with collective awareness. Through each piece, I hope to challenge stigma, inspire dialogue, and offer solace to those who, like me, have found strength through creativity. As a former foster youth, art has always been my escape, a place of mental and emotional refuge. Life’s challenges have led me back to art time and time again, reinforcing its role in my healing journey. Now, as a full-time artist, I find freedom in my work while navigating anxiety, depression, and PTSD. For years, corporate environments were neither conducive to my mental well-being nor sustainable as a single mother, but art has provided both purpose and balance. Beyond creating, I am an Art Therapy Teacher and mental health advocate, using my work to spark conversations about mental health and transparency.”
Uzuri Asad is a multi-passionate creative based in Indianapolis. While her most familiar offerings may come from traditional African dance or adornment, expanding her artistic voice to include painting felt as natural as these practices. Her visual art offerings are predominately mixed media, and reflective of her perspectives on the beauty, power, and influence of the African Diaspora and the world at large. Asad’s work has shown in multiple spaces including Indiana Humanities, Listen Hear Art Space, Gallery 924, as well as the recent, long standing “Meet the Artists” exhibition. “Love and art, in their many forms, are the reasons I exist, and each of the pieces that comes through me is connected to my story, which in turn connects my people to one another.”