Get to Know Acori Honzo

Acori Honzo wows visitors to his studio with intricately-crafted doll sculptures of legendary Black figures such as Harriet Tubman and James Baldwin. Acori’s pieces are a few inches tall, but they speak loud and have inspired people from Philadelphia and beyond. Get to know Acori a little more in this delightful Q&A.

What would you consider one of Philadelphia’s best-kept secrets?
The number of talented artists we have in Philadelphia.

What’s your favorite piece of art that you didn’t create?
Drawings from my father. He does not create any more. They were damaged. I no longer have them.

The creative/artistic life can often feel isolating. What do you do to counteract that?
Speak to other artists. They are great for information and inspiration.

 If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
The power to make everyone feel calm or at peace. Why? I see a lot of pain, anxiety, and fear. Imagine if that was able to be removed for many people?

What’s your personal mission or vision?
Create pieces that are small but speak loud. Contribute to the culture. Inspire others to create.

What was the most memorable response someone has had to your work?
A person entered my studio one day and she started to cry while looking at a piece. She said it made her think of how far we have come, but still how far we have to go as a nation.

Is cereal soup? Why or why not?
No. Golden Grams is nowhere near soup. I’m offended at the thought. Lol!

Name three artists to whom you’d like to be compared. Why?
I don’t want to be compared to others. I don’t see myself anywhere near the high level I place them at.

What’s invisible but you wish people could see and why?
The level of consideration we have for others. If it was something we could actually see and be aware of, I wonder if it would make a difference in how people treat each other.

What fictional character is amazing in their book/show/movie, but would be insufferable if you had to deal with them in mundane everyday situations?
Winnie the Pooh. He doesn’t understand how anything works. His spelling is atrocious and he invites himself over for dinner without asking.

Follow Acori Honzo on social media at @acorihonzo.
Learn more about all the artists-in-residence.

This Q&A is one in an artist Q&A series titled Get to Know. All Q&A’s were reviewed and edited by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation Digital team.