Imagine being a young child looking through a library trying to find a fantasy story where the main character has some of your looks, so you can fully immerse yourself in the story. Seeing how there were barely any stories like this, you settled for the typical story with a character who looks nothing like you, so you have to place yourself in them.

Now do this again with artworks at the museum or looking through someone’s portfolio of what they created. You see the fantasy story you like, but once again, none of them resembles you as if how you look doesn’t belong there.

I’m Ajá Alicia, and I was that young child wishing there were some black fantasy stories and art while growing up.

My art is about putting black faces in fantasy settings and tales I love reading and writing about. We belong in these spaces, too, so I’m making sure it’s showcased to everyone how Afro-fantasy art is a huge world waiting to be explored just with portraits.

My art has stories hidden within to take you to a magical world you want to see.

I participated in the Tri-County Speaks Art Fete in April 2024.

And when I’m not creating my artworks and organizing my studio, I can be found writing stories, reading books, or planning when to have some authentic ramen bowl.