Author: rEN

In the quiet hush of spring dawn, a beautiful Black woman stepped barefoot onto the dew-kissed earth, her flowing dress brushing against tender blades of grass as a soft breeze wrapped around her like a whispered prayer. The air was alive with the scent of jasmine and new beginnings, and with every step she felt as if the earth itself was singing beneath her feet. She lifted her face toward the rising sun, a silver light tracing her crown, and in that sacred moment she felt the ancestors moving through the wind, reminding her that she was both their answered prayer and their living dream.

Afto Blu is a bold Afrofuturism group exhibition curated by rEN Dillard, opening July 31, 2025 at Blu Rose Art Bistro in Douglasville, GA. Featuring artists Tiyannak Brown, Dr. Yahaya Bello, Patrice Gates, Broadie, and Dillard, the show explores Black identity, ancestral memory, and speculative futures through painting, mixed media, and digital works. The exhibition title “Afro” and “Blue,” invokes both the vastness of the diaspora and the cosmic, intuitive pulse of Black imagination. Each artist offers a portal into new mythologies and liberated realities, using creativity as a tool for healing, transformation, and cultural prophecy.The partnership between Blu Rose Art Bistro and rEN Dillard marks an innovative leap for Douglasville—a city not often associated with Afrofuturism. By hosting Afto Blu, Blu Rose positions itself as a cultural incubator and community bridge, expanding access to visionary Black art and ideas. The exhibition invites local audiences into an immersive reimagining of the future—where liberation is not a fantasy, but a felt and visualized reality. Afto Blu isn’t just an art show; it’s a signal that the future of Black creativity is already unfolding, right here.

An egg is a universal symbol of potential and rebirth—it contains within it the promise of life. The black egg, in particular represents a deeper mystery around the hidden aspects of hope. Its dark exterior might symbolize the unknown or the struggles we face, while the life within signifies the enduring possibility of growth and renewal. Just as an egg hatches into new life, hope “springs eternal” by reminding us that even in times of darkness or uncertainty, there’s the potential for transformation and brighter days ahead.

“Welcome Deja” a feminine voice from above said, her voice a soothing melody. “I am the spirit of the moon. You have been chosen to receive the wisdom of the cosmos.”

In the heart of the black forest, where the air shimmered with magic and the trees whispered ancient secrets, lived a young huntress named Amani. Her skin was the color of rich mahogany, and her eyes gleamed with determination. Amani was known throughout her village for her exceptional skill with an electric bow and arrow, a gift from the village elders that combined the wisdom of the past with the technology of the future. One early morning, as the first light of dawn filtered through the canopy, Amani set out on a hunt. Her family depended on her to bring back game, and she moved with the grace and silence of a shadow. The forest was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant animal calls, but Amani’s focus was unwavering.Her electric bow, a marvel of engineering and enchantment, hummed softly in her hands.

The arrows, tipped with energy that crackled and sparked, were designed to stun rather than kill, ensuring that the balance of the forest was maintained. Amani’s respect for the forest and its inhabitants was evident in every step she took.As she moved deeper into the forest, she spotted her quarry: a majestic stag with antlers that seemed to glow with an inner light. Amani crouched low, her movements fluid and precise. She notched an arrow and drew back the bowstring, the electric current surging through the weapon.With a deep breath, she released the arrow. It flew through the air with a faint hum, striking the stag and enveloping it in a gentle, stunning light. The stag fell to the ground, unharmed but immobilized. Amani approached with reverence, whispering a prayer of thanks to the forest spirits.

“Dr. Welsing’s Fever Dream” by rEN Dillard is a profound artwork that resonates deeply with the ideals of Dr. Frances Cress Welsing, a renowned psychiatrist and author known for her work on racism and white supremacy. Dr. Welsing’s theories, particularly those presented in “The Isis Papers,” focus on the psychological and societal impacts of racism. She argued that white supremacy is a global system designed to maintain the genetic survival of white people by oppressing people of color. Her work emphasized the importance of understanding these dynamics to combat racism effectively. In “Dr. Welsing’s Fever Dream,”

Dillard uses his signature technique of layering precious metals, collage, and oil paint to create a visually striking piece that reflects these themes. The artwork’s dense, textured scenes and use of gold leaf symbolize the richness and complexity of black identity and experience.

The reflective quality of the precious metals invites viewers to see themselves within the narrative, emphasizing the personal and collective journey towards enlightenment and freedom.The piece can be seen as a visual representation of Dr. Welsing’s ideals, highlighting the ongoing struggle against systemic racism and the quest for self-awareness and empowerment among black individuals. By incorporating elements of Afrofuturism, Dillard not only honors Dr. Welsing’s legacy but also envisions a future where black identity is celebrated and liberated from the constraints of white supremacy.

Dr. Welsing’s Fever Dream, 2024Mixed Media Collage with Gold silver on Panel60 x 60 in (152.40 x 152.40 cm)

In the ethereal realm where moonbeams dance and stars whisper secrets, two luminous sisters, Deja and Zaire, glided gracefully across the night sky. Born from the moon’s heart, their light was pure and radiant, casting a serene glow over the world below. One night, as they drifted over a vast field of blue crystals, a deep yearning stirred within them—a desire to experience the earthly realm in human form.The moon, sensing their longing, bestowed upon them a rare gift. For one night, Deja and Zaire would take on human forms and explore the crystal field. As they descended, their celestial light transformed into two beautiful women, their hair shimmering like silver threads and their eyes reflecting the moon’s glow. They stood in awe, feeling the cool, crystalline ground beneath their feet, each step creating a symphony of delicate chimes.The field of blue crystals sparkled under the moonlight, casting an otherworldly glow that illuminated the night. Deja and Zaire wandered through this enchanted landscape, their laughter echoing like the sweetest music. They marveled at the beauty around them, the crystals’ azure light intertwining with their own ethereal essence, creating a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow.As they ventured deeper into the field, they discovered a hidden grove where the crystals grew in intricate patterns, forming a natural labyrinth. At the grove’s center stood a magnificent copper tree, its branches reaching towards the sky, adorned with blossoms that glowed with a gentle blue light. Deja and Zaire felt a profound connection to this place, sensing the ancient magic that flowed through it.They sat beneath the crystal tree, sharing stories and dreams, their voices blending with the whispers of the night. They spoke of the moon’s wisdom, the stars’ secrets, and the beauty of the world they had only glimpsed from above. As the night wore on, they realized that their time in human form was drawing to a close, and a sense of bittersweet gratitude filled their hearts.With the first light of dawn breaking on the horizon, Deja and Zaire embraced, knowing that this night would remain a cherished memory. They felt their forms begin to shift, the magic of the moon calling them back. As they ascended into the sky, their human forms dissolved into beams of light once more, their laughter lingering in the air like a gentle breeze.From that night on, the field of blue crystals held a special enchantment. Those who wandered there could sometimes hear the faint laughter of Deja and Zaire, and the copper tree at the grove’s center glowed a little brighter, a testament to the magical night when two moonbeams became human and danced among the stars.

Moonbeams, 2024Oil, Dyed Silver, Blue Chrystalina26 x 67 in (66.04 x 170.18 cm)