Whitney Biennial 2010: Rashaad Newsome Performance
According to Rashaad Newsom, his exhibit called Five which is to be shown during the Whitney Biennial 2010 deals with this growing phenomenon:
“Five is a multimedia performance that redefines how performance art is chronicled beyond the traditional mediums of video and photography. At the same time, Five serves as a platform to help voguing transcend its marginalization and be seen as a legitimate art form. Using custom-made interactive sound and video manipulation technologies, set to live vocals and an improvisational score Newsome creates a line drawing from the five dance elements of voguing.”
- Courtesy of Sigourney Salley
Renaissance 2.0: Curtis Santiago
Curtis Santiago is a breath of fresh air - the kind of creative visionary who steps onto the scene and revolutionizes the game rather effortlessly. You’ve probably heard his name bouncing off the lips of those kids who are always two-steps ahead when it comes to music, fashion, film and art. That’s because Canadian born-and-raised Santiago has made a name for himself in every field – he was a member of the Hi-Phoniqs soul band in the late 90s, has co-hosted CTV’s Fashion Television, has exhibited his colorful, “wild-style” paintings in galleries across the country, made his acting debut in a John Cusak film that recently wrapped in Toronto, and is now set to host the highly-anticipated RedBull 3Style DJ Tour. His music is as post-genre as he is, fusing slick rhymes with soulful rock. Santiago released his latest mixtape with Mick Boogie, “HAVE MERCY!” last April, featuring a collaboration with TRACE favorite Mickey Factz on a remix of The Killers hit track “Human”. TRACE sat down with Santiago to gain a little more insight into his eclectic music, personal style and future projects. Read more
Dungeon Dragons: Little Dragon Performs at Le Poisson Rouge.
Since releasing their self-titled debut album,
For additional show and ticket info visit: http://lepoissonrouge.com/events/view/633
- Courtesy of Devin “Pan” Barrett
Perfectly Flawed [The Shape of Black]
They say if Eve did not eat the apple, women (and men) would have forgiving eyes when they come across the visual display of the female body. Unfortunately, knowing the female body doesn’t come with understanding, and time has allowed our fantasies and ideals to create a bondage around it. It seems the more humans are exposed to anatomy, the more they become obsessed with perfecting it. When females -in particular- are observed as objects (sex symbols, video vixens, and ANTM’s), they no longer feel comfortable in their own skin. The hissing, the grabbing, and the judging weighs too much. So they become afraid to communicate with their bodies. They lose the feminine walk, and cover their curves under layers of clothing, because they are unsure about what they see. If humans can understand that perfection lies within the imperfections, they will begin to appreciate the female body as it is, flaws and all. The Shape of Black (an exhibit-installation produced by Social Mogul, Divine Bradley) is a collection of black and white photographs (captured by professional photographer, Cathrine Westergaard) that celebrate the beautiful bodies of Black women. The Shape of Black exceeds a snap-and-develop moment; it is a visual novel that tells the stories of individual Black women and their choice to celebrate their bodies the way it is.
Toni Burke: What inspired The Shape of Black? Cathrine Westergaard: Divine approached me about the exhibit idea over a year ago and I fell in love with the concept. If felt like it was time to celebrate an area of beauty that is so under celebrated in mainstream society and the art world. Black women have the most beautiful curves, and historically, cultures have worshiped strong shapes and womanly ideals, not the heroin chic images women are compared to now. As a woman, it is impossible to go through life and not be affected by commercial standards and ideals of beauty. Divine and I both felt it was time to open up a dialogue on the subject and give black women a chance to tell their stories. Divine Bradley: I wanted to create an installation that celebrated women and dealt with the years of insecurities women faced. I’ve come into contact with a lot of beautiful women, that didn’t see their beauty due to minor imperfections…and I saw them differently. So I wanted to capture that in a very tasteful, provocative display of black and white photography. I knew that Cathrine would be the best person to create the still version of what I seen.
TB: When you refer to the word ‘Black’, is it comprehensive of all Black women or specifically directed towards African-American (Black) women? CW: Our mission with The Shape Of Black is to create a global conversation so we intend for this installation to travel and incorporate black women from all over the world. It is also important to understand that The Shape Of Black is not only about the color of the women; it is more than that. It is about the space we inhabit. Artists learn through our formal art training that it is equally important to look at the negative spaces of our subject as the positive space. The Shape of Black is really about looking at black women’s beauty and bodies as art. DB: The shape of black has multiple meanings. Its primarily about womenof color…period, which goes across many cultural boundaries. Secondary, we want to open it up to more women because the title is really about the black and white photography being taken…focusing on the contour of the body- whether it is their hands, feet, or back. I wanted to start with women of color specifically because those are the first women I encountered in my family dealing with these insecurities. Women, after having babies talk about stretch marks, body parts expanded and they felt they weren’t as beautiful any more; I grew up hearing that all my life.
TB: The Shape of Black’s mission states, “[These images] will show you the real definition of[Black] beauty.” What is your definition of real Black beauty, and how does it compare to the real beauty of other races? CW: These images are real stories, told by real black women about their real relationship to their bodies and their sense of beauty. Our goal is to redefine the ideals of black beauty prevalent in magazines and the music industry. I am merely the visual vehicle and the storyteller. This exhibit is not a comparison between women in any sense of the word. I feel comparing ourselves is what has gotten us into such a mess in the first place. The Shape Of Black is a safe place where women can begin to explore themselves. We need to come to terms with these issues if our goal is to learn to love ourselves. DB: Real black beauty is extremely genuine and captures [black] women as they liberate and celebrate themselves. Read more
Live It Up On Tombsday.
All Taste Makers - Stylistas - Media Moguls -Photographers - Models - and Artists of all kinds come and enjoy yourself!
Please RSVP: RSVP@CLUSTANDBONE.COM
See You There!
- Courtesy of Sigourney Salley
Tracing the Market: Billy Reid
Long supporter of bluesy Southern alternative rock, Fashion Designer Billy Reid is releasing a limited edition music box just in time for the holidays. The box made from reclaimed heart pine wood will include a compilation CD of music selected by Reid as well as two short sleeve and two long sleeve t-shirts that will feature Patterson Hood from Drive By Truckers, Justin Townes Earle, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.Since its inception Reid’s epoynomous label has become the sartorial upgrade for the male set who’s lifestyle is rooted in the southern sensibility and heritage. This merging of down-home spirit with the sounds of the south make for quite charming results. With only 200 units being produced this is the ultimate gift of exclusivity. THE VERDICT: Speaking as a southern gent, purchasing this music box is a no-brainer. ($295.00 , Available 11/15 at Billy Reid—54 Bond St. NYC 10012. and BillyReid.com).—J. Dwayne Joseph
Tracing the Market: Sobral
(New York, New York) Last Friday marked the opening of Brazilian jewelry label SOBRAL’s store opening in SOHO. Despite the night’s rain making for a messy commute, the bright and colorful pieces showcased throughout the store (add: and the cocktails) had me longing for a vacation in Sao Paulo or Bahia. Recognized as eco-friendly wares (all pieces are made from recycled materials) each piece, designed by Carlos Alberto Rezende Sobral, is a vibrant and unique artistic display, that doesn’t carry a hefty price point (Multi colored Lucite necklaces retail at approximately $120.00 USD). Even with a wide range of accessories, the designer manages to bring his aesthetic to home decor via toilet seats, lamps, picture frames, vases and wall art all made from resin. Although this store marks the designers first large scale foray into the US market, he is not a novice. The designer has been at it since the 60’s and has retail outlets in Argentina and Paris, France.
In 2004, 2005 and 2006 SOBRAL won the Bijorcha Eclat de Mode Fashion Accessory award. He also was responsible for the sickening coned bauble jewelry that graced Karl Lagerfeld’s Spring 2008 runway. The verdict: Definitely worth a visit. www.sobralusa.com (412 Broadway NY, NY 10012 T:212.226.2710) Lindo maravilhoso!—J. Dwayne Joseph
A3C Hip Hop Festival + Mixtape
ATLANTA is rapidly becoming a CULTURAL TRIALBLAZER–I’m beginning to feel like I’m missing out on the all the fun being here in NEW YORK!
To add to my discontentment FADIA KADER and the good folks at SMKA have organized the monumental A3C “Perfect Attendance,” a 3-day Hip Hop Festival which includes artists from the North, South, East, West, and the Midwest and begins tonight, OCTOBER 1st thru October 3rd at “The 5 Spot” in Atlanta, GA and includes artists: Rakim, Black Sheep, J.Cole, Melo-X, Nikki Ntu, Jasmine Solano, Tanya Morgan, U-N-I and a host of other dynamic acts.
Alex Goose: Man Behind The Music
I recently had the opportunity to chat with the man behind “The Blueprint 3 Outtakes”–Alex Goose, who’s not only a GIFTED MUSIC PRODUCER, but he’s a TALENTED GRAPHIC DESIGNER and PARTNER in the Atlanta based arts collective “THE BIG UP” which includes musical artist BRITTANY BOSCO.
Before we dive into interview, first things first:
Click here to download “The Blueprint 3 Outtakes”
Read more
L’Altruist + TRACE presents ELAEIS
This Thursday, September 24th, TRACE magazine invites you to join a chic benefit party for All for Africa, an organization which helps to secure the long-term sustainability of important community level initiatives in health, education, clean water, micro-financing, community development and skills training on the continent of Africa.
Put on by none other than the “fun-raisers” themselves, L’Altruist, this is an event you don’t want to miss. Established in 2007 by five friends, L’Altruist serves to bridge the gap between the diverse, young professional community and non-for-profit choice causes. In this particular case, L’Altuist is teaming up with All for Africa in order to raise money for International Palm Out Poverty Week (September 21st-28th). The goal is to raise $500,000, which will be used to plant 25,000 palm oil trees in Ghana under All Africa’s Palm Out Poverty Initiative. Once these oil palm trees mature, in 3 years, revenues from sales of palm oil will be used to provide long term operational funding of $30,000 per year for 30 years to 17 Africa-based NGOs and community organizations.
Held at Manhattan’s prime venue, Cain Luxe, the event will feature music by DJ mOma, drum and dance performances, hors d’oeuvres by Ark Restaurants and Le Grand Dakar, as well as raffle prizes and the opportunity to connect with other young, diverse professionals who are committed to having fun and doing good.
Check out more details below, and don’t forget to purchase your advanced ticket here !
TRACE is so excited to be a part of this one-of-a-kind event. See you there!
