Crystal Miller: Queens & Shiny Things

Crystal Miller Unveils Dreamy Afro-Futuristic Exhibit “Queens and Shiny Things” 

Exhibition on view August 28 - October 5, 2024

Public celebration Friday, August 30, 2024 | 5:00 - 7:30 PM

Akron Soul Train Artist-in-Residence Crystal Miller presents “Queens and Shiny Things,” a collection of fantastical paintings and sculptures that embody Afro-futurism. Marrying African traditions with elements of fantasy, Miller’s art is a personal interpretation of Afro-futurism. This includes a celebration of Afrocentricity through a range of objects—decorative mirrors, combs, jewelry boxes, and press-on nails—that reflect her vibrant childhood. By incorporating kitschy materials, organic patterns, and exaggerated depictions of Black skin, Crystal Miller transforms everyday objects into future artifacts that celebrate a profound sense of Black pride. 

“By creating these pieces, I am reclaiming a narrative that society has long suppressed. Through revisiting my past and envisioning the future from a deeply personal perspective, I construct an alternate reality—an escape from the harsh realities of today and a glimpse into a potential utopia where Blackness is freely expressed and celebrated. This immersive experience is designed for the Black community, instilling hope and confidence in our shared future, a future shaped for us and by us.” – Crystal Miller

About the Artist Crystal Miller: 

Crystal Miller is an interdisciplinary mixed-media artist currently living and working in Cleveland. She has an Associate in Graphic Design, and a BFA in Painting and Sculpture and Expanded Media at the Cleveland Institute of Art. Miller’s paintings and sculptures explore Afro-futurism using unconventional materials including beads, glitter, rhinestones, and foam. Recent exhibitions include “DRMWRLD” at Maria Neil Art Project in Cleveland, and “Black Spaces: Defying Social Constructs” at Summit Art Space in Akron.