Malick Sidibe-- Malian Photographer

Sidibe's work always stood apart in my mind as truly exception. I mean of all the photographers in the world today and of yesterday his photos has captured the innate possibilities of an African Culture looking towards the future with promised and western influence.His work from the 1950's and the 1960's shows a decade of great photos. Sidibe chronicled the carefree youth culture at dance clubs, parties, sporting events and on the banks of the Niger River. Sidibe's photographs contains the innocence of people in their finest--presenting a facade of dreams to the public. Gallery 51 has a continuing roster of photos from this great photographer. Enjoy!

Kalup Linzy-Artist

Kalup Linzy's video work is both stunning and hilarious. His artistry contents everyday situations in a soap opera format. He tends to play most of the characters and reconfigures the voices to suit his endeavor. His exhibit is on display at the Studio Museum in Harlem. Go check it out...no doubt you'll be laughing the entire time.

Kara Walker---Artist

Kara Walker is an African American artist whose work explores race, gender,sexuality, violence and identity has been a longtime favorite of mine. Some of her work evokes a Southern Antebellum South during Slavery and it depictions of African Americans in compromising situations--which were often true. I've had the privilege of following her work through out the years and every time I see something different. The show at the Whitney Museum in New York City chronicled her work, along with diaries full of mind exploding commentary. This insight proved to be vital to me as the viewer, because of some comments were part of the overall working mind of an artist. Kara's video work proved to be insightful and thought provoking. The show at the Whitney Museum entitled, "My Complement,My Enemy, My Oppressor,My Love" was one of the best shows with I believe is on a worldwide tour. Do go see it...

Michael Jackson---King of Pop

I grew up watching Michael Jackson and his brothers perform on the worldwide stage in complete awe. His amazing talent, passion and dedication moved me beyond admiration, but my continued appreciation of his gift share ever live with me everyday. I don't know the actual details of his passing, but rest assured those will eventually come out and we share mourn the loss of this great man and the music he gave us. My first concert was the Jackson Five tour at Long Island's Nassau Coliseum. The venue was huge and impressive, the crowd was excited and ready and my heart did a triple beat as the Jacksons Five opened up the show with, "Can you feel it"...I never stop talking about this event for the rest of the school year. Michael, I shall me you and all of your glory. Goodbye. This is my favorite videos: In the Closet and Dirty Diana

Isabel Toledo Exhibit at FIT

The Isabel Toledo exhibit at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City was amazing (I'm an alumnus). The intricate patterns and designs of this master seamstress(her words not mine) truly dictate fashion forwardness in every detail and form. I'm truly a huge fan of her husband, Ruben Toledo, who does the watercolors artwork for Isabel's design. An inspiring collection or retrospective of her clothing/his artwork and their take on what consumes their daily lives. Do note that Isabel designed Michelle Obama's inauguration dress for daytime. If you live in New York City or visiting this fashion capitol do go and see this amazing retrospective.

Musings

Today, I started with music and my new faves are Chrisette Michele album "Epiphany"--great melodies and hooks. I appreciate her vocals. She has worked with Hip-Hop artists and Rappers singing back up melodies. If you need a starting point with Chrisette start with her first cd titled, " I AM". Enjoy!! Next, I'm listening to The Black Eyed Peas new cd, "The E.N.D."--lots of booming rhythms and sounds. Thoroughly enjoyed the banging beats and the upbeat tempo. Great CD.

Also, a heads up...Looking forward to the European Menswear Collections in Milan, Paris and London at the end of June. I can't wait to view the collections of Lanvin, Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Dries Van Noten, Bottega Veneta, Burberry Prosum and DSquared2.Surprisely, I enjoyed the Vivienne Westwood show.

Gordon Parks

Gordon Parks has always been an inspiration to me and many of my friends. He is a complete Renaissance Man who was a professional photographer, novelist, poet, musician, artist, director and all around best dressed man about town. His pasting has moved me in different ways. But, his photos shall exist for a life time. As the the first African-American photographer for Life Magazine--he continued to garner praise for his work in the arena and outside of it. He continues to astound me, with the use of lighting in his photography and subject matter.http://