Sole Study

Under the direction of Student Curator Gopal Pokharel (Sumiran) from Fisk University and Student Designer Myles Jones, a senior at Tennessee State University, Sole Study was created through Project Uplift, a program designed in partnership with Fisk and TSU to offer a student or recent graduate an opportunity to curate, design, market, and develop a program for an installation. Installed in the Frist's Grand Lobby Elevator, Sole Study offers an immersive experience within a common, accessible space.

For Sole Study, Nashville artist Dominique "YOUNIQUE" Coleman created a series of twelve artworks that explore the cultural and creative connections between sneakers, hip-hop, and individuality. The artist conceives of his practice as "rapping through art" and Sole Study as a visual album—each work functions like a track contributing to the larger narrative of the series. Together, the works represent the artist's journey, playing on the words sole and soul to establish themes of self-expression and cultural pride; this dual meaning invites viewers to consider both the tangible imprint of their steps—their soles—and the intangible essence of their being—their soul.

Through Coleman's depictions of iconic sneakers, musical and sports references, and his unique thumbprint sole design, the installation highlights how sneakers have become a vehicle for storytelling. Rooted in African American culture yet resonating universally, the artworks bridge personal narratives and diverse heritages. These studies invite every individual to look inward to find inspiration to connect, reflect, and share their own stories.