MIC WHO?
One Mic is a painter whose work channels raw emotion into powerful visual language a fusion of personal testimony and cultural resistance. Born in 1997 in The Bronx, NY and now based in Troy, NY, he constructs layered, mixed media works that resonate with soul-deep urgency. Using materials like marble on canvas and textured found surfaces, One Mic’s practice turns the canvas into a battlefield where color, form, and spirit confront themes of identity, trauma, love, and liberation.Every brushstroke in One Mic’s work is a declaration of self-awareness, a challenge to the status quo, and a reminder that art is a tool for survival and transformation. His mission is to promote knowledge of self among the youth and awaken their highest potential. These aren’t just artworks; they’re living testimonies. Rooted in ancestral memory yet radically present, his compositions offer a place for reflection, confrontation, and healing.Deeply spiritual and unapologetic-ally grounded in his lived experience, One Mic’s art has been exhibited in respected galleries and collected by private and institutional voices that recognize the magnitude of his message. Through each new series, One Mic continues to redefine what it means to create art with a purpose. Art that doesn’t just speak to the world, but dares it to change.EDUCATION[2024-2026] Fine Arts A.S., Hudson Valley Community College, New York, United StatesSELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS[2023] “The Remedy: Soul Food” 66 Greenpoint — Brooklyn, NY, USA
[2023] “Pancake & Booze” 9 Bob Note — Brooklyn, NY, USA
[2023] “Pancake & Booze” MIKA — Brooklyn, NY, USA
[2022] “Pancake & Booze” MIKA — Brooklyn, NY, USA
[2022] “Pancake & Booze” MIKA — Brooklyn, NY, USA
[2022] “OPEN CALL” Greenpoint Gallery — Brooklyn, NY, USA
[2022] “Works Of Art” Arts In Bushwick Gallery — Brooklyn, NY, USASELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS[2022] “One Mic” — Greenpoint Gallery, Brooklyn, NY, USA[2023] “The Remedy: Soul Food” — 66 Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY, USASELECTED PRESSShoutout Colorado, “Meet Michael Lloyd | Artist & Founder of LEFOURSEVEN” in Local Stories (2021)Bold Journey, "Meet One Mic" in Stories & Perspectives on Resilience Building (2024)Canvas Rebel, "Check Out One Mic’s Story" in Stories & Insights (2025)AWARDSOpen call at Greenpoint Gallery (winner), Greenpoint Gallery, Brooklyn, NY, USALANGUAGESEnglish
SELECTED WORKS
"BLACK ON RED DINING TABLE", 2024, Mixed media on cardboard, in wooden frame - 40 in x 25 in x 1.5 in
Description: During my time living and working in Canarsie, Brooklyn I really started to find myself as an artist. Through this self discovery my ideas started to come to life more vividly. This work is a strong representation of that time period. I think working and living in an environment that took so much from me on a daily basis began to show.
"PRAY FOR (THEM)", 2024, Mixed media on canvas - 35 in x 40 in x 1.5 in
Description: I have been on this earth for over 28 years now so I have seen people display faith in many different ways. Some wake up early as hell every Sunday morning to hear a sweaty pastor scream and shout at them. Others will stop eating for an entire month. Either way, it's all in the name of faith. Wars have been fought, blood has been shed and tragedies have taken place because of faith. What happens when faith isn't enough? What happens when a Jehovah Witness celebrates their birthday? What happens when a Muslim tries pork for the first time? What happens when a Roman-Catholic falls in love with someone of the same sex? Would you say that they've lost faith in their God?
"NOBODY LOVES YOU", 2023, Mixed media on canvas - 30 in x 40 in x 1.5 in
Description: Love..Love is such a crazy thing. We seem to know so much about it yet it's so hard for us to define. In my family we grew up telling each other "I love you more" as a response to someone saying "I love you". Is it meant to literally compare the amount of love we have for each other? No, it's simply meant as a form of reciprocating the same feelings and if you ask me That's exactly what love is, reciprocation.
"PEEPING TOM MEETS DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY", 2023, Mixed media on canvas - 36 in x 36 in x 1.5 in
Description: In this digital age we are pretty much always being watched in some capacity. The question is though, how much are we actually being seen? For instance, during my teenage years my moms would deeply concern about the drugs I was using at the time. Rightfully so but it would of been nice to get that same level of attention for the things I accomplished when I didn't smell like weed. As there is always more to life than what meets the eye.