Flahn Manly: “Joy is My Weapon”

Flahn Manly, an artist whose work centers on themes of freedom, hope and social transformation, is the December 2024 through February 2025 Fellow & Artist-in-Residence at NE SCULPTURE | Gallery Factory. This annual residency offers artists the opportunity to explore, test and create while providing space and resources to produce meaningful work. For Flahn, this residency represents both a creative milestone and a deeply personal journey.

Born in Liberia in 1988 amidst a period of extreme unrest, Manly experienced the profound impacts of war from a young age. His family ultimately fled the violence, seeking refuge in Minnesota. 

“Art gave me joy and hope, even in troubling times,” he said. Despite his love for creating, Manly faced discouragement from his family, particularly his father, who envisioned a more conventional and sustainable career for him, such as becoming a lawyer just like his sister.

Manly, however, couldn’t suppress his creative instincts. As a child, he painted and sketched in secret, using art as a way to process the events of his early years. He credits this outlet with saving his life, allowing him to safely navigate his emotions from the trauma of his past.

After high school, Manly moved to Connecticut to be closer to his aunt and uncle and pursue an education in graphic design. His aunt and uncle were supportive of his dream to be an artist. After school, he established a studio and gallery space in Connecticut, painting custom portraits for clients across the country. For six years, he thrived in this space until the pandemic forced him to come home. He moved back to Minnesota, where his father’s perspective on his artistic pursuits had changed. Manly now enjoys his family’s support as he pursues his dream.

Since his return, Manly has seized significant opportunities to advance his career. In the summer of 2024, he participated in the Joyful World Mural Park at the Minnesota State Fair. Supported by Forecast Public Art and the Minnesota State Fair Foundation, this initiative showcased large-scale artworks painted live by Minnesota artists throughout the fair’s run.

Manly was also a contributor to the Social Justice Billboard Program, with his piece, “Fire!! / LIBERATE,” displayed at George Floyd Square in the fall of 2024. The artwork is a striking visual statement of liberation and resistance, aiming to dismantle colonial ideologies and affirm Black identity. “Through this piece, I challenge the dominance of Western thought and set fire to the remnants of systemic oppression,” Manly said.

The NE SCULPTURE residency has provided Manly not only with studio space but also with artist housing, creating an environment free of external pressures and conducive to creativity. During his time at the residency, he has painted 15-20 new portraits, which debuted at his exhibition, “Joy is my Weapon.” This capstone event invites viewers to engage with Manly’s portraits and experience the love and joy embedded in his paintings. These works depict individuals he has encountered throughout his life, telling their stories and celebrating their humanity. Flahn expressed deep gratitude for the residency,  “It makes me feel seen as an artist.” He views this opportunity as a way to prove himself within a community of  talented creatives.

As Manly wraps up his residency, he is hopeful about securing a long-term presence in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, potentially within one of the area’s studio buildings. His time at NE SCULPTURE has further fueled his passion for creating art that connects with people on a profound level.