Minneapolis-based artist and muralist Flahn Manly is inviting the community to explore the transformative power of joy, love, and peace through his new exhibit, Joy is My Weapon, opening on Saturday at the NE Sculpture Gallery Factory in Minneapolis. With this collection, Manly aims to turn the tides of hate and fear, using his art as a vehicle for positive social change.
Art as a Tool for Joy and Resistance
Manly’s exhibit is a reflection of his deep belief in the strength of love and joy. “How can I make an entire environment focus on joy and love, right? And it just happened to be the perfect divine time,” Manly said. In a world often consumed by negativity, his message is one of unwavering optimism. The exhibit’s theme, Joy is My Weapon, invites viewers to embrace the idea that peace and love are powerful forces, not weaknesses.
The use of vibrant colors is a key feature of the show. Fiery orange and delicate pink hues serve as a backdrop to his bold, expressive acrylic paintings, contrasting with the somber themes of hardship and struggle often portrayed in his work. This distinctive color choice represents the triumph of love over adversity, with peace as the ultimate tool of resistance.
A New Approach to His Craft
For this exhibit, Manly transitioned from his usual medium of oil paints and charcoal to acrylics, a change that pushed him to think on his feet. Acrylic paint dries quickly, demanding a faster-paced, more provocative approach to his artistry. Manly embraced this challenge, channeling his energy into each brushstroke, capturing moments of raw emotion and personal history.
One of his standout pieces depicts a woman and children dancing around a tree, inspired by a deeply personal memory. As a teenager, Manly’s close friend’s family was deported to Sierra Leone, a moment that would forever shape his understanding of community and resilience. His friend’s mother, undeterred by her family’s hardships, went on to establish a school that provided education, meals, and a sense of belonging for the children.
“I love that she didn’t allow her circumstances to ruin the vision that God had placed in her heart,” Manly reflects. This story, rooted in hope and perseverance, is immortalized in his work, emphasizing the power of community and the ability to turn pain into purpose.
Art as a Path to Freedom and Transformation
Manly’s work isn’t just about personal memories; it’s about the freedom to express and transform. His art explores themes of hope, freedom, and social transformation, often responding to the way communities of color are portrayed in mainstream media. Raised in Brooklyn Park after fleeing war-torn Liberia, Manly understands firsthand the importance of representation and the need to foster hope within communities.
“My art is in perfect marriage with my faith,” Manly says, explaining how his spirituality influences the messages he conveys through his work. Through his creations, he strives to provide a voice for those often overlooked, using art as a tool for both personal expression and social change.
Community Engagement and Giving Back
In addition to his work as an artist, Manly runs a nonprofit called Renaissance Fire For The Arts, where he works with students to create art that reflects their experiences. One of his murals, created with youth from ages 4 to 17, was installed at the Zanewood Recreation Center in Brooklyn Park. The mural, inspired by hope, is just one example of how Manly is using his art to uplift and inspire future generations.
Through the Paint For Peace series, Manly continues to work with young people, giving them the opportunity to express themselves through art while promoting peace in their communities. “I learned through art, I express myself through art,” Manly shares. “I was going to be understood through art and seen.”
Join the Celebration
The opening celebration for Joy is My Weapon will take place on February 1, 2025, at 5 p.m. The exhibit will be open for viewing from February 5-8, with a suggested donation of $30 to support Manly’s ongoing work. Proceeds will go towards his efforts to acquire space for future artistic endeavors and provide art classes to youth.
This exhibition is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund, which supports cultural initiatives like Manly’s, ensuring that art remains a vehicle for positive change in our communities.
Joy is My Weapon is more than just an exhibit—it’s a call to action, an invitation to resist the negativity that surrounds us and embrace the transformative power of love, peace, and creativity. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Manly’s powerful work and contribute to a cause that is shaping the future of art and community in Minneapolis.
Original reporting from: Anika Besst | MPR News