PLAYGROUND DETROIT presents Miriam Uhura’s debut solo exhibition, NOIR STAR, opening to the public on Saturday, February 15th at 2845 Gratiot Avenue from 6-9PM, on view during Black History Month.
Miriam Uhura discussing her work in NOIR STAR.NOIR STAR is an exhibition that celebrates Black culture through the lens of portraiture, where the richness of identity and the power of self-expression converge. Uhura’s debut solo exhibit presents a visual love letter to Black individuality, exploring the multifaceted ways personal style, boldness, and joy are woven into the fabric of the community.
With bright colors, radiant smiles, gold grills, and references to iconic cultural symbols, Miriam invites viewers to witness the monolith of Black culture in its full, unapologetic glory. Through each piece, she offers not just a portrait, but an invitation to witness the beauty and vibrancy that defines Black existence.
Miriam’s journey as a self-taught artist is one of courage and vulnerability. She speaks candidly about how art has become a platform for her to embrace her true voice—one that she now uses with confidence, without fear. Through each brushstroke, Miriam conveys more than just images; she shares her personal story of growth, using her work as a tool for self-understanding.
The process of creating these portraits has taught her to embrace her own authenticity, and she hopes to pass on that same feeling of empowerment to anyone who engages with her work. In NOIR STAR, she offers her audience a chance to not only see the subject of the portrait but also to feel seen themselves, connected by the universal language of art.
NOIR STAR, Installation View.At its core, NOIR STAR is about collective celebration and shared humanity. Miriam Uhura believes that everyone deserves to feel like a star—worthy of admiration, joy, and recognition. This exhibition is not only a reflection of Black culture but an open invitation for everyone to take part in its energy and expression.
Through her art, Miriam challenges us to embrace vulnerability, individuality, and the truth of who we are. She hopes her audience walks away with a deeper understanding of themselves and others—because, in the end, the most profound experience of art is the way it helps us understand our own stories.
About Miriam Uhura
Miriam Uhura (b. 1997) is a self-taught painter from Highland Park, Michigan, whose work explores themes of cultural significance, family, community, and futurism. Her pieces often capture poignant, intimate moments, inviting viewers to engage with the layered meanings embedded within each image.
Through vibrant colors and expressive brushstrokes, Miriam breathes life into her subjects, imbuing them with a sense of nostalgia, while simultaneously offering a vision of hope for the future. Her art celebrates the complexity of identity and the power of personal connection.
In addition to her fine art practice, Miriam is also a skilled body artist, working as a piercer at Bloodline Dynasty, a renowned tattoo shop in Metro Detroit. Her work in both painting and body art speaks to her dedication to making people feel seen and valued, using art as a means to honor the uniqueness of each individual. Whether on canvas or skin, Miriam’s creations serve as a powerful testament to her belief in the transformative power of self-expression.
Miriam’s work is a celebration of both the personal and collective, blending nostalgia with innovation, and tradition with a forward-thinking vision. Through her art, she not only reflects on the past but actively participates in shaping the future—empowering others to see themselves and their stories reflected in her work.
On view through March 15th
Viewing Hours: Thursday – Saturday 12-5PM
Closing Reception: March 15th 12-5PM
