Afrofuturism & Resilience: Artists Talk with Darin Darby & Onzie Norman

THE PAST SPEAKS. THE FUTURE LISTENS.

Join us for a powerful afternoon of dialogue and discovery as artists Darin Darby and Onzie Norman (collectively known as UXI) share the stories behind their exhibitions — Resilience and Afrofuturism — currently on view at SpaceLab Detroit.

Through personal reflection and artistic insight, the artists will explore the themes of Afrofuturism, resistance, identity, and Black resilience. This intimate talk is a rare opportunity to connect with the visionaries behind the work — to ask questions, hear intentions, and feel the pulse of creativity grounded in heritage and possibility.

Resilience honors the perseverance and lived experiences of Black communities, especially in Detroit.

Afrofuturism invites us to feel and imagine what liberation and joy look like in our current lived experiences and in futures we create for ourselves.

Enjoy community conversation and a guided walk through the exhibits following the talk. All artwork is available for purchase.

🎟 This event is free and open to the public.

🔗 RSVP is required — seating is limited.

Artists' Bios

Darin Darby:

Hailing from the vibrant city of Detroit, Michigan, Darin Darby is a self-taught artist who has carved a unique path in the world of art. His creative journey began with sketching comic book characters using pencils, but as he entered his twenties, he fearlessly delved into a variety of mediums such as colored pencils, charcoal, pastels, and acrylic paint.

In a groundbreaking moment in 2014, Darin introduced his innovative art technique, Laypuzzim® (layered puzzled image), which involves meticulously cutting and layering textured materials like card stock paper, mat board, leather, or wood to create intricate artworks. Each piece is a masterpiece of hand-cut colors and negative space, showcasing Darin's unparalleled talent.

Darin's artwork has graced the walls of esteemed galleries across Metro Detroit, Ohio, Chicago, Kentucky, and Virginia, and his pieces have found a home in prestigious collections at Henry Ford Hospital in Jackson, MI, the Dayton Art Institute, and the Detroit Historical Museum.

Drawing inspiration from his childhood memories, biblical themes, thought-provoking messages, and often overlooked historical black figures, Darin injects profound meaning into his creations, sparking engaging conversations and pushing boundaries with his art. His passion for storytelling through art is unwavering, driving him to constantly explore new materials and techniques.

As Darin looks ahead with excitement to the future, his dedication to evolving as an artist and continuously pushing the boundaries of his Laypuzzim® technique promises an exciting journey ahead in the realm of artistry.

Onzie D. Norman:

Onzie D. Norman (b.1980) is a self-taught mixed media painter and wood sculptor from Detroit Michigan. Onzie started in the field of carpentry in high school and later graduated from the Detroit Carpenters Apprenticeship School in 2003. This craft would play an important role in his artistic development. After a vision in 2013 Onzie begin to draw, this led to his experimenting with painting on wood. Onzie constructs his own canvas out of wood and uses paper, wood, spray paint, acrylic and resin to create one-of-a-kind artworks.

Onzie has work diligently towards building his art career, his work has been exhibited at Art Prize, the Bombay Artesian Series, National Afro-American Museum in Wilberforce, Museum of Science and Industry Chicago, Agora Essence Festival, Charles H. Wright Museum, Actors Theater in Louisville, Gallery in New York, Xavier University and The Dayton Art Institute. Onzie’s artwork is in many private collections and recently his work has been acquired by Don Tuski President of the College for Creative Studies, Bedrock Detroit, actor Charles Michael Davis, NFL linebacker Deandre Levy, Helene Gayle president of Spelman College and American journalist Stephen Henderson. In 2023 he was selected as the Gucci Changemaker, having his mural, “Botanical City” installed on the side of the Siren Hotel in Detroit, MI.

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