Detroit’s art scene is fueled by a deep well of talent, cultural richness, and the city’s signature spirit of reinvention. Last week we published the first installment of a group of rising artists who are shaping this creative landscape. In this second installment, we continue highlighting the fresh voices making waves in Detroit’s art world.
Martina Sanroman is a Detroit-born artist from a Mexican immigrant family. Although not formally trained, she has learned to paint through trial and error and her natural networking has led her to display works in galleries throughout Metro Detroit and regional festivals and to become one of the first alumni of the Tead One Memorial Residency Program in 2022 and a mentee in the Detroit Artist Apprentice Program in 2024.
From your perspective as an artist in Detroit, what are you most looking forward to in 2025?
MARTINA SANROMAN – OUTLOOK
Starting off the year with a mentorship through the Detroit Artist Apprenticeship Program (DAAP). Working alongside people to actively create a more beautiful city is so inspiring. People who are truly involved have a different way of looking at what’s going on around us and it’s the type of conversation I want to be more involved in.
How does being in Detroit shape your approach/artwork?
There’s a lot of different cultures celebrated within and around Detroit. I love all the different languages, delicious foods, and catchy songs that come with its people. That shows up in the artwork as well. I’ve been working hard to reconnect with that side of myself. It helps knowing there’s a platform, especially in Southwest, that welcomes what I have to share.
OSMAN KHAN
Osman Khan is a Detroit-based artist interested in constructing artifacts and experiences for social criticism and aesthetic expression. Khan’s work has been shown at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA); the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MoCAD); the Cuenca Biennale, Ecuador; the Chicago Architecture Biennale, USA; the Shanghai Biennale, China; the Zero1 Festival, San Jose; Witte de With Centre for Contemporary Art, Rotterdam; Ars Electronica Center, Linz; Socrates Sculpture Park, NYC; Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids; Centro Internazionale per l’Arte Contemporanea, Rome; among others. He is currently a Professor at the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design at the University of Michigan.
From your perspective as an artist in Detroit, what are you most looking forward to in 2025?
2025 promises to be a challenging year, as social, economic, political, and technological pressures reshape our society. The artist community in Detroit stands at the forefront of vibrant community building, and I hope to contribute to this effort—supporting and helping to rebuild a future that embraces diverse, inclusive, and equitable visions for all.
How does being located in Detroit shape your approach/artwork?
My move to Detroit was a turning point in shaping my art practice, as I realized the significant gap in the representation of immigrant narratives in the broader American story. This awareness has shaped my work, which increasingly focuses on highlighting South Asian and Muslim diasporic identities, aesthetics, narratives, and traditions while imagining hybrid futures for our shared communities.
CHRIS PIZANA – HERE & NOW
Chris Pizana is a multifaceted artist whose ethos is rooted in the belief that creativity thrives at the intersection of diverse influences. He draws from multiple sources of inspiration to create new subgenres, continuously pushing the boundaries of what art can be. Through painting, graphic design, and fashion design, he weaves together these creative endeavors as interconnected expressions of my vision.
From your perspective as an artist in Detroit, what are you most looking forward to in 2025?
I am excited about the growing opportunities that come with the city’s continued development. Programs like Detroit City Walls and the Kresge Foundation play a vital role in not only recognizing local talent but also creating platforms for artists to contribute to the city’s cultural landscape. Public art is crucial in cities like Detroit, as it not only beautifies public spaces but also fosters community identity, stimulates creativity, and invites dialogue across diverse audiences.
How does being in Detroit shape your approach/artwork?Just as Detroit is a melting pot of influences, my own diverse artistic journey reflects a blend of experiences, styles, and techniques. I see a strong parallel between my creative background and the city’s multifaceted identity—both constantly evolving, shaped by a variety of voices, and united in the celebration of individuality and community.
TAYLOR CHILDS – AT THE BAR
Artist and proud Detroit native Taylor Childs explores themes of; identity within self and family, the after-effects of the African Diaspora; the perception of people, consumerism, and constructs of race within supremacist systems, and bling culture. She applies these themes into a narrative where they are captured through fabric manipulation and the textile tradition in order to create a dialogue representing the complexities of African American life.
From your perspective as an artist in Detroit, what are you most looking forward to in 2025?
I am excited to reset/ spend time in the studio in 2025. It seems like the beginning of the year is for creation and there is space for new thought. Whereas towards the end of the year, there are more opportunities for community and collaboration.
How does being in Detroit shape your approach/artwork?
My work is a love letter to Detroit. I am Detroit and Detroit is me. My family has lived here since the great migration, and Detroit will always be home. Detroit is so rich in black history, and I think we have only started to scratch the surface of how deep our stories can go. I am excited to continue to use my work as a place for record-keeping, liberation and celebration.
XAVIER CUEVAS
Xavier Cuevas is a lens based visual artist and storyteller specializing in photography and cinematography. His work resides on the intersection between his Puerto Rican heritage and Detroit upbringing and is an effort at documenting overlooked people and places in the beautiful way they deserve to be captured. He has worked with The Detroit Pistons, The Skillman Foundation, Paxahau, Vmag, Kitkat, Detroit Vs. Everybody, You Matter, and more.
From your perspective as an artist in Detroit, what are you most looking forward to in 2025?
I’m most looking forward to the continuation of the city’s narrative and perception in the public eye. What’s felt like a decades-long process feels like it’s finally making headway in convincing people across the country and world that Detroit is an incredible place where incredible things are happening.
How does being in Detroit shape your approach/artwork?
JULIANA RABBAN
Having been born raised and now working as an artist in Detroit is maybe one of the single largest influences on my work. I think being from a place that’s spent so long being seen as an underdog produces a drive and work ethic that’s rarely matched. Artists here are as blue-collar as they come and I think that’s reflected in the subjects of my work as well as how that work is created.
Juliana Rabban is the founder and creative force behind Just by Juliana LLC, a local art business specializing in custom sneakers, murals, wearable art, and canvases. With a style that fuses street art, bold colors, and intricate details, Juliana’s work invites curiosity and discovery. Her mission is to build community through art while celebrating individuality and unconventional perspectives. Juliana has collaborated with the Detroit Tigers, NFL Draft, and Detroit Pistons and is passionate about elevating local businesses with art and contributing to Michigan’s growing art scene.
From your perspective as an artist in Detroit, what are you most looking forward to in 2025?
In 2025 I am most excited to start creating 1-of-1 clothing pieces that are reflective of Detroit and more large-scale public art in and around the city. I’m also excited to continue collaborating with professional teams, with hopes of working with the Detroit Lions or Detroit Red Wings.
How does being in Detroit shape your approach/artwork?
At its core, Detroit is a community-driven city, and that sense of unity pushes me to create pieces that bring people together, reflecting the shared pride we all have in this incredible place. I believe unity is one of the most important factors for growth, and Detroit’s tight-knit, supportive artist community exemplifies that. It constantly inspires me to elevate my work and continue celebrating the diverse cultures we have here.
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