S1:E5 | Ft. 2015 Art Prize 2D Winner Monroe "Aki" O'Byrant

In EPISODE 5  we chat with Monroe  about his upbringing in New York, transition to West Michigan and his creative hardships, artistic responsibility and acclaim.

About Monroe: Monroe A. O’Bryant, known as Akibang, is a self-taught Grand Rapids photographer, producer, and videographer. As the owner of the production company, A Fearless Brother Project, Akibang seeks to engage people in conversation about injustice in the American system, with a focus on the black experience. One of Akibang’s 2018 photography exhibits, “A walk in the park in America”, opens space for respectful conversation and explores the history of issues the black community faces today. Akibang uses his work and production company as a platform to encourage everyone to share their stories and to listen with open minds to the stories of others.  

Akibang was born and grew up in Brooklyn, East New York, NY. In 2003, Akibang began developing his passion for the camera, teaching himself and watching the works of skilled videographers and producers such as Gordon Parks, Quentin Tarantino, and Spike Lee. His mentors and family embolden him in this motivation and his work. Through meetings with these inspiring people, Akibang found purpose and started using his camera as a weapon to fight for humanity. One of his mentor’s, James Palmore reminded Akibang of the importance of being an Artist, inspiring him to keep pursuing and developing his skills. While Akibang’s mentors and family have played a big role in his work, it is Akibang’s persistence that helps him keep pushing forward for positive change in the Grand Rapids community and America. His work will continue to bring attention and conversation to today’s important social subject matters.

Now Akibang’s current works reflect the subject matter, passion, and technique of those that he looks up to, but with his own style. “I only have one chance in life to be the best me. I might as well go all out.” He said when reflecting on his motivation for continuing his art. His upcoming video project, “American Synonym: Where the same seems different”, will take an in-depth look at relevant controversial elements of today’s society. Freedom of speech, religion, sexuality, non-dualism vs dualism, and the future of America are just a few of the subjects he hopes to address in his new series. “American Synonym” will encourage conversation as well as document the current views of Americans. “Let’s tell’em a story by embodying timeless information that will be artifacts for the future.” He finds motivation in growth and a hopeful view of the future. Akibang is determined to use his life as an opportunity to affect positive change in his community and in the world.

Find Monroe on Instagram 

About: Multi-hyphenate creatives Sophie Rodriguez, George Ward and Alfield Reeves get together to chat about the arts, culture & their lives as creatives.

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Produced by Dave Benoit
Photography by Mary Partee