Ajmal 'Mas Man' Millar
Ajmal "Mas Man" Millar (born 1986, Brooklyn, NY) is a visionary artist whose work bridges the worlds of mas (Carnival artistry) and sculpture, celebrating Black queer identity, cultural heritage, and transformation. His mas creations are deeply rooted in the traditions of Caribbean Carnival, where costume design becomes a form of storytelling, resistance, and spiritual expression. Millar’s approach to mas is not just about spectacle—it’s about reclaiming space, honoring ancestry, and pushing the boundaries of performance art.
In addition to his mas work, Millar’s sculptural artistry incorporates repurposed materials, metalwork, and mixed-media assemblages, often reflecting themes of resilience, identity, and ritual. His sculptures blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary expression, creating pieces that evoke movement, power, and the fluidity of self.
Among his accomplishments, Millar has exhibited his work in a variety of spaces, from alternative venues to major art institutions. His journey as an artist was profoundly shaped by his participation in the 1996 Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies, where he performed in a costume designed by legendary Trinidadian mas designer Peter Minshall. He later pursued a Master of Fine Arts at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, further refining his interdisciplinary approach to art. His work continues to be celebrated for its ability to merge Carnival traditions with contemporary artistic discourse.