Thursday, August 28 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM
The King Arts Complex – [Elijah Pierce Gallery]
Join us for a special closing reception celebrating the powerful exhibition “Heir of Becoming” by Sir’ra. Enjoy light refreshments, meet the artist, and connect with fellow art lovers as we reflect on the impact of this creative journey.

Free and open to the public. We hope to see you there!

Artist Statement: Arris’ J. Cohen (Sir’ra)
As an emerging artist deeply rooted in the traditions of Diasporic realism and Afrofuturism, my acrylic paintings and murals serve as a canvas where culture, love, and the sensory interplay of color and sound converge. I draw from a redemptive spirit that mirrors my journey and the broader narrative of the African diaspora, aiming to bridge the past with visionary futures.

In my work, I strive to transcend the conventional boundaries of time and space, blending the historical with the speculative. Each stroke is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of art. My palette is vibrant and expressive, echoing the rich and diverse tones of the diaspora while invoking the rhythmic beats that have sustained our communities across continents and eras.

The themes of my paintings are as layered as the identities I explore. They are imbued with a profound respect for our ancestors and a hopeful gaze towards the possibilities of tomorrow. Through my art, I invite viewers to experience a fusion of reality and possibility, encouraging a reflective journey into the depths of what it means to be connected by a shared heritage, yet diversified by our unique stories.

As I continue to evolve as an artist, my goal remains steadfast: to create art that not only reflects the soul of a culture but also ignites conversations and inspires change. In each piece, I seek to capture the essence of Afrofuturism—not just as a genre but as a movement, a form of cultural expression that affirms our place in both history and the infinite landscapes of the future.